Friends of the Park

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friendsAriel-Foundation Park was developed by volunteers using funds and services donated by generous businesses, foundations and individuals. Following its Grand Opening on July 4, 2015, the park was given to the City of Mount Vernon. The Foundation Park Conservancy is a nonprofit organization committed to providing financial support for the park, preserving the park and developing programming for the park.

Tax-deductible contributions may be made to:

Foundation Park Conservancy
PO Box 644
Mount Vernon, OH 43050

VIEW A LIST OF 2024 FRIENDS OF THE PARK

$375,000 in contributions made in 2023!

VIEW A LIST OF 2023 FRIENDS OF THE PARK

View Annual Reports

PPG Timecards

PPG Employee Timecards

Former PPG employees can be honored with a permanent PPG Timecard which will be displayed in the Clock House. The cost is $250. Click below to fill out the form and make online payment.

Donate a PPG Timecard

 

 

IMG 5707Become a Lighting Partner

You can become a Lighting Partner and honor someone you love or celebrate a special occasion by "renting" the Rastin Tower lights or the downtown bridge lights for one night or longer. Ariel-Foundation Park will light the tower or bridges (or both) in the color(s) of your choice. Click to learn more...

Memorial and Honorary Gifts

Memorial or honorary gifts can be an especially meaningful way to commemorate a loved one or celebrate a personal milestone while also benefiting Ariel-Foundation Park.

Foundation Park Conservancy is able to accommodate a limited number of memorial and honorary Benches and Sunset Swings in strategic locations within Ariel-Foundation Park. Current costs range from $3000 for benches to $8000 for swings (subject to market changes) plus an additional 50% tax-deductible donation, which will be used to further the Conservancy’s mission to care for and maintain the 250-acre property.

If you would like to recognize someone with a gift of a bench or swing, please contact [email protected] for current costs and availability.  Acknowledgements will be sent for all gifts, both to the donor and to the person or family of the person being memorialized or honored.

To maintain the beauty and mission of the park, all memorial/honorarium requests will be reviewed by the Foundation Park Conservancy Development Committee and are subject to approval.

Sunset Swings

Sunset SwingsSunset swings have been a beautiful and appreciated addition to "The Lakes" area of the park. Each powder-coated metal two-seat swing will sit on a concrete pad, offering a place to relax while watching the sunset at the park. These swings will be a wonderful place to unwind at the end of stressful day; to share a special moment among family members; or to take prom, engagement or wedding photos. Each swing will feature a metal sign above with wording of your choice (limited characters). The cost to commemorate a swing is $8,000 (subject to market changes) plus an additional 50% tax-deductible donation. These funds cover creation of the swing, installation, and maintenance, as well as provide for care of the park. To learn more, contact [email protected]

Benches

BenchesThe Foundation Park Conservancy is in the process of replacing wooden benches that provide a resting spot near the East Lake. They are weathered and aging. The plan is to replace them with more durable and modern iron benches as seen in the photo on the right. The cost to name a permanent bench in honor or memory of someone special is $3,000 (subject to market changes) plus an additional 50% tax-deductible donation to support care for the park. To learn more, contact [email protected]

Book Available

afp book

The book, “Ariel-Foundation Park: The Story of an Ohio Town that Preserved its History and Transformed an Abandoned Industrial Site into a World-Class Park” by Aaron Keirns is available for purchase at Paragraphs Bookstore and The Kenyon Bookstore.

 

 

 

Park Info

 

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 Ariel-Foundation Park, located in Mount Vernon, Ohio, is a 250-acre civic park that offers a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors of all ages.

Visiting Hours

Ariel-Foundation Park is officially open April 1 through November 15. Some areas of the park are accessible to pedestrians year-round. Daily hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. There are no admissions or parking fees. The Rastin Observation Tower, park museum, picnic pavillions, trails and other park features are free and open to the public. The Rastin Observation Tower is open during winter months, as long as weather allows.

Contact Us

Foundation Park Conservancy
P.O. Box 644, Mount Vernon, OH 43050
[email protected]
740-501-9293

Mount Vernon City Parks Department
1700 Old Delaware Road, Mount Vernon, OH 43050
[email protected]
740-393-9501

 
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