About the Friends of Ely Park
The Friends of Ely Park was founded by loyal son of Lambertville, Jim Hamilton. The FEP was granted its non-profit status in 2011. Over that time the mission of this all-volunteer organization has been to revitalize and protect the city of Lambertville’s only dedicated green space and help create a venue where people can connect through shared activities, become more involved and engaged with others in the community.
The Friends of Ely Park sincerely thanks all of the individuals, businesses, and the City of Lambertville for the loyal support they have shown over the years.
What Has Been Accomplished?
Among the many accomplishments are the construction of softball dugouts, planting of bushes and trees around the Snack Shack, which was made safer by the installing of ramps and a curved seating area and the installation of pavers creating the Snack Shack Plaza. The FEP also promulgated the installation of brick columns and fencing along the perimeter of Ely Park.
What Has Been Accomplished Lately?
The past 18 month have seen a flurry of activity as identified in three pieces as the FEP has moved towards its finale. The first is the installation of renowned area designer, muralist and long-time artistic collaborator with Jim Hamilton, Illia Barger’s sports themed façade to the Main Street side of the Snack Shack to finish off the area.
The second is the establishment of the Jim Hamilton Camp Scholarship. This scholarship has been endowed with $50,000.00 from the FEP to be administered by Fisherman’s Mark so that five children from financially challenged families can be enrolled in summer recreation programs at no expense to their family. This scholarship will last in perpetuity.
A Final Farewell —
The Giving Tree Project
The FEP’s outro is The Giving Tree Project which is a collaborative effort involving the FEP, Niece Lumber, Rago Auctions and many very accomplished area artists and woodworkers: slabs of the London planetree that once stood in Ely Park have been milled and kiln dried, and offered to some very talented artists who have volunteered to make works of art for auction. These fabulous creations will be included in Rago Auctions’ May Auction.
It is with the great appreciation The Friends of Ely Park wish to thank the following artists and woodworkers for their generous contributions: Mira Nakashima, Carter Sio, David Wilson Antick, Jeffrey Greene Design Studio, Bret Cavanaugh, David Robinson Natural Edge, Birdie Miller Designs, Gene Salerno Funk and Junk, Shaun Smith Rustic Red Door, Mark Sfirri, Ed Murphy, Abe Smith Willard Brothers, John Landis, Michael Oates, Robert Beck & Ed Murphy. Preview the auction pieces as they are completed and photographed.
The proceeds will be turned over to The Delaware River Towns Chamber of Commerce for the exclusive purpose of funding the Jim Hamilton Memorial Shad Fest Scholarship which assists high school seniors who seek to pursue a career in the arts and which now includes the culinary arts.