The Ironman Supports Flint Park Playground: Invites Community to Help Too
by Judy Silberstein
 (October
23, 2003) It’s a perfect match: Larchmonter
John Steigerwald likes to run, bike, swim and raise funds
for
worthy causes
by competing in Ironman triathlon events. He was researching
local needs, when he learned that the Flint Park Conservancy
was in need of funds to support its
upcoming renovation of the playgrounds. Now the Ironman and
the Conservancy
are
teamed up to benefit the Park.
On November 8, Steigerwald will be participating in the
Florida Ironman event - a grueling physical challenge even
for someone who's been training for years. Until then,
he’s
gathering sponsorship pledges and continuing to keep in shape
on neighborhood
streets
and at the Hommocks pool.
The Conservancy is helping with
a mailer that’s been sent to Village residents (See:
letter) and will be presenting its latest
designs for the park to the Village Board on November 3.
The plans include
spaces for big and little kids, and equipment to stretch
children’s muscles and imagination. (See: Playground
Plans)
The Ironman is a unique organization that encourages both
fundraising and athletic ability. In cooperation with the
Janus Corporation, participants can earn awards for finishing
fast and for raising the most cash. Steigerwald’s goal
is to finish the race in 12.5 hours and bring in $125,000
for Flint Park. That won’t earn him any speed records,
but he hopes it will be enough to earn an additional $10,000
for Flint Park from the Janus Challenge.
Contestants will have (just) seventeen hours to finish the
Bay County Florida course that includes a 2.4 mile swim,
a 112 mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile marathon. Two years
ago Steigerwald completed the Florida course, raised $74,000
to benefit the Barth Syndrome Foundation, and won a second
place in fundraising. On November 8, he’ll be competing
in his fifth Ironman, and hopes to come in first in funds
raised.
Steigerwald is also looking for a fast race. “I usually
finish in the 13 to 14 hour range,” he reported, but
this time he’s trying to shave an hour or more off
his time. To do so he’s training about twenty-four
hours per week. That’s a little bit more than most
of his running buddies can devote to the sport, though he
credits them for getting him started and supporting him as
he continues.
“I got started in Ironman through Gary Rodbell,” said
Steigerwald. “He’s our guru and has infected
a number of us to do triathlons.” The two competed
in California and Florida Ironman events together. “Larchmont
has a nice little community of people who bike, swim and
run,” he said, “but training for a full Ironman
takes a bit more.”
Steigerwald, a stock broker with Morgan Stanley, has lived
in Larchmont for six years with his wife, Linda, and two
daughters, Brianna and Karina. Brianna’s principal,
Jane Hand at Chatsworth School, suggested the liaison between
the Ironman and the Flint Park playground.
The Flint Park Conservancy was happy for the connection. “It’s
incredibly generous for John Steigerwald to devote so much
time to the park,” said Brigid Brennan, Chairperson
of the Flint Park Playground Committee. “You couldn’t
ask for a better showing of the spirit in the community.”
She was also enthusiastic about the Park. “I’m
very excited about the final plans we’re presenting
to the Board,” she said. “They meet many needs
for the Village – a toddler area and a big kid play
area. It looks wonderful for the Village.”
Both she and Steigerwald hope to raise enough funds to support
the playground and have some left over to help with expanding
the ball fields and environmental areas at the other end
of the park. “This is a great investment for the whole
community,” she concluded.
Letter from
Flint Park Conservancy, Ltd.
Post Office Box 918 Larchmont,
New York 10538
September 17, 2003
Dear Neighbors and Friends of Flint Park:
As many of you know, I have previously raised funds
for non-profit organizations through competing in Ironman
events. On November 8, 2003 I will be participating
in the Ironman Florida, and I am very excited to announce
that this time I will be competing to benefit our Village!
I have joined forces with the Flint Park Conservancy
to raise money for Flint Park.
The Flint Park Conservancy was formed three years
ago to support the improvement of Flint Park. The Conservancy
has been recently working with Village government on
new playground plans, and, longer term, on plans for
expanded playing fields and a nature area along the
coast.
The Conservancy is now ready to move forward with
the first project, a new playground. For the past year
and a half, a playground committee comprised of Conservancy
members, Village Committee members and citizens have
been researching other playgrounds by visiting sites
in five states, taking numerous photographs and reviewing
endless catalogs on playground equipment. After meeting
with several playground companies, the playground committee
has finalized two plans for Village Board approval.
Each plan incorporates separate play areas for the
2-5 year olds and the 5-12 year olds. The younger area
will have a boat theme with rubber surfacing to protect
the smallest children, while the committee hopes that
the big kid area will include some new and exciting
elements, such as a fun climbing structure.
On November 3, 2003 the playground committee will
present its recommendations to the Village Board. Make
sure to turn on LMC (Channel 75-77) to hear all the
exciting details. The plans will then be on display
in the Village Hall and the Public Library. Stop by
and take a look at them. Most importantly, please fill
out the form below and donate by mile or fixed amount
by November 8. The Conservancy needs you to help raise
the money to make the playground and the nature area
a reality. All gifts are tax-deductible.
On November 8, I will swim for 2.4 miles, bike for
112 miles, and then run a 26.2 mile marathon. I am
doing this so that our families can enjoy Flint Park
even more. I hope you will support my efforts, and
the Conservancy’s.
Thank you,
John Steigerwald
I JOIN JOHN STEIGERWALD IN SUPPORTING FLINT PARK CONSERVANCY!
____ Friend
____ Cheerleader
____ Trainer
____ Coach
____ Other |
$ .50/mile $1.00/mile
$2.00/mile
$5.00/mile
$___/mile
|
$70
$140
$280
$700
$_____ |
Name:
Address:
Phone:
e-mail:
|
Please make your tax deductible check payable
to “ Flint
Park Conservancy, Ltd.”
____ Donors may be listed in FPC publications. Please
check if you want to remain anonymous.
|
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