Dart Foundation - In the News - Dart Lands in Vahalla Park

Dart Lands in Valhalla Park

by Will Kangas/Holt Community News

The first photo on the front page of the Holt Community News was of siblings playing in the sand at Valhalla Park in Delhi Township.

The popular park has been a mainstay for residents and kids for years but its playground equipment has been in need of renovation, one of the reasons the grass roots "Friends of Valhalla Park" have been fundraising heavily as of late.

A major catalyst for continued optimism came Feb. 5 when the Dart Foundation presented the township with a check for $50,000 to go towards the park's first phase of revitalization.

"The Dart family and foundation are big believers in the notion that the children are our future," said James Lammers, Vice President of the Dart Foundation. "We think parks are useful in that they open horizons for kids to develop a sense of pride in their community."

The donation will go towards the $125,000 matching grant that is available through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to help renovate parks such as Valhalla, which features a wooded area and small lake at the corner of Keller and Pine Tree Roads.

James Lammers, Vice President of the Dart Foundation, presents a check to Stuart Goodrich, Delhi Township Supervisor. Also participating in the presentation (left to right) are Dart Container employee and Holt residents Tyler DeLong and sons Kyle and Troy; Phillip Knapman, Delhi Parks Commisioner; and Mark Jenks, Delhi Director of Parks and Recreation.

The township parks department and fundraisers have been trying to raise funds since its formation a couple years ago led by parks commissioner Phil Knapman.

"This is great news," Knapman said. "We are hoping this will have a snowball effect in the community. We are very grateful for the Dart Foundation to do this."

Although Dart Container headquarters are in Mason, the company has recently started expansion of its facilities in Holt near the Depot Street industrial area.

"Not only do they have a vested interest in Holt as a business they also have several employees that are Holt residents," Parks and Recreation Director Mark Jenks said.

Jenks said construction could begin as early as spring on the new playground area.

The private foundation was started in the mid-80s by William Dart to support education and community service programs, Lammers said.

"These are things that are the part of the fabric of society," he said. "We liked the fact that this project is a partnership with the people of the township and its government. It speaks well when you have multiple sources. I'm looking forward to seeing it when it is done."