The Jamaica Supporters group has begun making improvements to the City Park thanks to a 10 Squared Women of Guthrie County donation, but they still need support to fully realize their vision.

The group has installed USB ports at the park located on Main Street, which have already been utilized by bicyclists riding on the Raccoon River Valley Trail. The City of Jamaica recently received a donation of $11,100 from the 10 Squared Women to make several park improvements, which JaRAmaica resident Carla Hilgenberg describes, “We’re getting a nice piece of playground equipment that includes two forts, a slide, a climbing wall, and some interactive pieces on there. It has a little picnic table underneath one of the forts. We’re updating our swings because we do have a nice metal, sturdy swing of the past but we’re going to put all new chains and swings on there. We do have a basketball court, but we’re going to replace the basketball hoop and then we’re going to have the company that’s doing this, they’re going to paint lines for free throws, three-pointers, and a jump circle.”

Hilgenberg adds they’d like to eventually add a retractable net so the basketball court can also be used for pickleball. They plan to get the equipment they’ve so far purchased installed by August, but they are $3,000 short of their fundraising goal. Donation containers are available at local businesses Tojo’s Bar & Grille and Just One More. Checks can also be sent to Jamaica Playground, P.O. Box 83, Jamaica, IA 50128. For more information or to volunteer, contact Hilgenberg at 563-212-0945.