Goodwill Park Gets $40,000 Grant

by Mary Greendale 9/19/11

Pat and Jim Poitras have generously donated $40,000 towards the reconstruction of Goodwill Park.

Pat and Jim Poitras, former residents of 198 Highland Street, have donated $40,000 to Mission Possible for the playground at Goodwill Park.

The volunteers at Mission Possible are beyond themselves with joy. This little group of stalwart supporters has worked for six years to reach the day when they could order equipment and schedule the actual build. That action took place at last Wednesday night’s Park Commission meeting. The three leaders of Mission Possible are Stephanie Collier, Eva Stahl and Liz Nemeth (now a resident of North Carolina but still involved). Liz responded to the email announcement about the donation with, “Thrilled to hear it. Beyond words really.”

The response has been enthusiastic from the Parks Department, too.  Maureen Korson, Executive Director of Parks and Recreation, was “ecstatic” and speechless, quite literally, as she was gripped by emotion. “Totally, absolutely amazing and generous,” she added moments later.  Parks Chairman Tom Chipman received the email today and told the Poitrases, “We can’t thank you enough.”

Jim is a native of Holliston and says, “It is rather a fitting gift.” His parents (Dorothy and Ed) were actively involved with programs offered at Goodwill Park back in the late 1940’s, and they had two Springfield College physical education majors live with them one summer while the students worked at Goodwill and the lake. The donation is in memory of Dorothy and Edward Poitras.

The donation will come through the Foundation for Metrowest (formerly Crossroads), a philanthropic group that supports 22 communities in this area. Pat was one of the original founders of the Foundation. Today the Poitrases live in Narcoossee, Florida and spend summers in Boston, but clearly, Holliston will always hold a special place in their hearts.
 

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