The Hilltop Initiative has been hard at work getting the new Mound Park playground location approved, collecting quotes and concepts, seeking funding, and growing their board in recent months. They’re ready to kick off their second event soon, with the Hilltop Christmas Light Contest, which is taking registrations now.

“We’ve been meeting with local leaders, members of the board, and increasing our numbers to make the playground possible,” Hilltop Initiative’s Secretary Jay Daehler said, “We are really getting somewhere, and it is now time to start raising funding and seeking out support from the community. Project Playground 2.0 is going to take a lot of support, and this is only the start.”

To register, visit the group’s Facebook page to find the Eventbrite link. Registration is $25 and limited to 50 participants.

Throughout the next 6 weeks, individuals will be able to submit photos of their homes for voting. Each vote will cost $5 and will raise funding for the eventual playground. The group hopes to raise around $5,000 to go towards their plans.

“The Christmas light contest is a way for us to engage with residents in the Hilltop, encourage them to decorate and be part of the community, while also raising funds for Mound Park,” Hilltop Initiative’s President Kevin MacDonald explained. “We think this will be a fun and joyful way to accomplish big tasks in one event.”

They will recognize the top five participants at a Town Hall event at Community Action Organization’s Head Start location on Hutchins Street at 6 p.m. on January 4. The town hall will showcase plans for the playground and open the floor for discussion before recognizing winners.

First place will receive $250 and a trophy; second place will receive $150 and a trophy, third place will receive $75 and a trophy, fourth and fifth place winners will receive trophies.

Once live, there will be a page dedicated to viewing the entries and voting on a winner at $5 a vote. The winners will be determined by number of votes. Winners will also receive a professional photo of them with their display.

People are encouraged to use classic lighting mediums and new, non-lit decorations, and more.

For questions, email [email protected] or message The Hilltop Initiative on Facebook.

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