History

Key dates in the timeline of the association:

The Corporation was founded on June 18,1980, by Jay Gonzalez, Carl Jones, John Lenahan, John Hackett and Charles Hill. On October 21, 1981, the land for the park was puchased by the corporation. On March 8, 1982, the Park Master Plan was drafted for the first time. And on April 1, 1985, the park was opened to our community.

Past Presidents of the WPRA

Bob McHarness: 1981-82
Charles Baum: 1983
Bob Bender: 1984
Bill Miller: 1985-87
Nancy Bell: 1988
Ed Flitcraft: 1989-95
Ed Coombs: 1996-98
Doug Hathaway: 1999-2004
Jeff Hepler: 2005 - 2007
Jamie Danner: 2008-Present

Activities and Events held at the Park

Woodstown Pirate Football – 4 teams (150 participants); Woodstown Little League – over 350 participants; Woodstown Soccer Club – over 350 participants; Woodstown Lacrosse starting in Spring 2008; 4th of July Parade completion; Firecracker 5K run; Fireworks; Jog for Johnny (2005-2007) and a new run starting in 2008 on Woodstown Fall Festival day; Bike ride for cancer and park – 25 mile and 10 mile; Rotary concerts under the pavilion – Summer; Soccer camps and Columbus Day Tournaments and Men’s soccer and baseball leagues.

Outlook

Recent projects completed or underway

A fitness grant to finish walking trail was received in 2007; the 3^rd Annual fireworks on the 4^th of July occurred in 2007; park bench refurbishment is ongoing; painting and new roof on concession stand (Boy Scouts); Clem Pavilion installed; new dugouts for baseball and softball added; electric installed in upper parking lot and pavilion; John Vascek Jr. Memorial Playground completed late 2007.

Future projects for the park

Expanding the walking trail
New fall zones for all the playgrounds
Water to the new pavilion
New storage facility for the Pirates organization
Prep area for amphitheater location
Expanding the park north and add a 3^rd entrance
Baseball / Softball practice facility
Pave the upper parking lot
Watercolor sketch of park – updated master plan
Plant more shade trees