Doko Meadows Park Foundation launches amphitheater fundraising efforts
January 25, 2016
The Doko Meadows Park Foundation, a nonprofit organization organized by the Town of Blythewood to raise funds for additional features in the Doko Meadows town park, recently received its first major donation from one of its neighbors, Fairfield Electric Cooperative.
“Our local business leaders have been very receptive to the plans for the amphitheater,” says Jim McLean, president of the Doko Manor Park Foundation. “We’re very pleased that Fairfield Electric Cooperative has been the first to commit to making those plans a reality for the Blythewood community.”
The $25,000 donation, presented by Fairfield Electric’s Chief Executive Officer Bill Hart, represents the first step towards the $350,000 the Foundation hopes to raise to provide the Blythewood area with a high-quality outdoor entertainment venue. The Foundation has approached other area businesses and organizations and is seeking grant assistance to raise funds to construct a band shell cover and brick façade at the existing temporary stage area and to add a dance pad area, lighting, sound system, and concrete walkways as envisioned in the original park design plans.
Doko Meadows Park is a 25-acre master planned park surrounding the historic Town Hall. The park currently includes playground areas, walking trails, athletic field, a farmer’s market area, pond, and planting indigenous to the area. Centered in the park is Doko Manor, a 7900 square foot events and conference center that has become a Columbia-area destination for large banquets, conferences, receptions, and town meetings. Most recently, Doko Meadows was the site of the Town of Blythewood’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration featuring live music, food vendors, and fireworks.
Once the finishing touches are added to the amphitheater, the stage will be set for multiple types of events and performances including summer concerts, worship services, arts and cultural festivals, and more.
Established in 2015, the Doko Meadows Park Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization whose purpose is to secure and distribute contributions from individuals, estates, government, corporations, foundations, and any other source for the benefit of the community of Blythewood, including enhancements to Doko Meadows Park. For more information, please contact Foundation president Jim McLean at803-261-1706 or [email protected].
