NORTH STAR — Last fall, the North Star Community Association (NSCA) announced plans for a new shelter house and park upgrades at the North Star Community Park, with a goal of raising $1 million dollars. As of April 1, NSCA has raised over 85 percent of their goal with $854,000 committed.

This project includes demolition of the existing bathrooms/shelter house and construction of one new building with male/female/family restrooms, concession stand, mechanical room, and larger patio and shelter house seating. The existing parking lot will also be redone and expanded, with sidewalks connecting the facilities throughout the park. Lastly, a new press box will be added to the ball diamond to accommodate an announcer’s booth and storage shed, with reconfigured bleachers.

“This project is an exciting one for our community,” commented Katie DeLand, who serves on the finance committee for the capital project. “Our park is a central fixture to this larger area, with growing use for so many activities and organizations. Many of these upgrades are long overdue, and we are thrilled with the generosity and support of so many.”

As the capital campaign continues, committee members continue to work diligently to help educate and reach out for all levels of financial support. The Darke County Foundation has partnered with NSCA to manage and collect all funds, which has made the process much easier for this all-volunteer board.

“As with most things in North Star, this has been one huge team effort. Between our construction and finance committee, we have all worked together to communicate timelines, feedback, and suggestions, which has been incredibly important with all of the moving parts of a project this size,” remarked Travis Wilker.

The committee plans to start demolition after the annual North Star Picnic in July, with construction of the buildings to start after. “We have some really generous and talented contractors in our community, which always helps,” Alex Davis mentioned. Ruchty Builders plans to serve as the general contractors for the project, with design and plan management overseen by John Kindell.

Committee members include Craig Stammen, Deb Seger, Rachel Bergman, Keith Hemmelgarn, Katie DeLand, Alex Davis, John Kindell, Ted Ruchty, Travis & Carolyn Wilker, Kevin Selhorst, and Steve Ruhenkamp.