Grants to pay for improvements at Eells Park

COLFAX – The Colfax Chamber of Commerce received two grants for $2,000 to improve Eells Park.

Both the Rural Development Initiative and Avista provided $1000 each to add elements to revitalize the park created in 1912 by minister Cushing Ells.

The money is being used to purchase a bench, a bike rack, and an informational sign about the history of the Lippitt Fountain.

"The newly refurbished Lippitt fountain was also known as the Daughter's fountain, as it was presented to the City of Colfax in memory of Clara Lippitt, the young daughter of prominent citizens, Julius and Flora Lippitt," stated Keogh.

The chamber is working with the city and Friends of the Parks for the placement of the features.

"Our hope is that this sparks community interest in improving our area, this park could be the starting point for the Greenway project, which will do wonders for Colfax," says Molly Keogh, director of the chamber.

The improvements are in advance of the Colfax Sesquicentennial Celebration in July 2022 for being incorporated 150 years.

Eells Park is located at 400 N. West Street.