After more than a year of fund-raising and generating community support, the Spraypark at Clintonwood met its financial goal, thanks in part from two celebrity donations.
Kid Rock and officials from Palace Sports and Entertainment announced in a March 25 press conference that the two forces would donate $60,000 to complete the fund-raising goal needed to break ground for the Spraypark at Clintonwood.
‘I’m happy to be a part of it,? Kid Rock said during the press conference. ‘Thanks to the Palace so that I didn’t have to put it all in.?
Kid Rock, along with Tim Smith, director of operations for the Palace, presented the Spraypark committee with a ceremonial check made out for $60,000 before a set of performances at the Palace and Cobo Arena in Detroit. Each entity donated $30,000.
‘I’m friends with Kid Rock,? Smith said of the how the joint donation came about. ‘Through a social get-together we found out that we wanted to work on the same project.?
After the official presentation, Kid Rock met with Michele and Ralph Przybylski, committee co-chairs and parents of the park’s namesake Renee Przybylski. The parents thanked him for the generous donation and what it meant to the family and community.
‘That’s what you’re supposed to do,? Kid Rock said to the family in response to his donation.
Renee was a day camp counselor at Clintonwood Park and loved working with children. She died in December 2001 after being diagnosed with leukemia. She was 23 years old.
‘Renee’s looking down and smiling on us and Clarkston,? Michele Przybylski said.
Talks began in January about Kid Rock, a local resident whose son attends Clarkston Community Schools, possibly getting involved with the fund-raising efforts, according to Kelly Arcello, Independence Township Parks and Recreation recreational programmer and committee co-chair.
‘Kid Rock expressed interest in the project,? Arcello said. ‘He found out about it through his son and being a community member.?
The Palace, a member of the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce, approached officials a year ago about donating money to the park. When Smith found out that Kid Rock wanted to donate as well, the Palace decided to match whatever amount Kid Rock donated to help meet the goal needed to open the park.
‘We didn’t realize how the community was backed behind this,? Smith said. ‘She (Renee) must have been a fantastic person.?
The donation was a needed addition to the fund-raising efforts for the park. The committee raised the amount needed to open the park after they decided to incorporate a recycled water system and a safer surface for the park’s water play area.
‘He is part of the Clarkston community. This is his hometown now and he’s really excited to be a part of it,? Arcello said. ‘It goes to show you how important it (park) was that Kid Rock met with us. It really reconfirms it’s a community project.?
Together with the $60,000 donation from Kid Rock and the Palace and the $125,000 raised by the committee itself, the total funds for the park total more than $180,000.
‘This really brings the community closer,? Smith said. ‘This is a close-knit community as it is.?
With the financial aspects of the park set, plans are now underway for the groundbreaking and grand opening of the park. A final presentation will be made to the Independence Township city council on April 6 for a final approval. From there the committee will begin planning the construction of the park, hoping for an opening date early this summer.
While the official fund-raising is complete for the park, commemorative bricks are available for a short time, according to Arcello. Those interested in purchasing a brick, that will be located inside the park’s grounds, to be included in the park’s opening should contact Parks and Recreation as soon as possible to make the deadline.
Kid Rock’s involvement with the park is far from done.
The committee will be honoring the Palace with a special plaque for the Auburn Hills establishment and there will be permanent recognition inside the park to the well-known singer and entertainment venue for their continued community support. Kid Rock even expressed interest to the committee about possibly being involved with the grand opening festivities.
Not to mention using the facility with his family.
‘Hopefully a lot of kids can stay cool in the summertime,? Kid Rock said.