In the growing city of Van Alstyne, Texas, an exciting community-building initiative is taking shape thanks to the leadership of the Van Alstyne Police Association (VAPA). The association’s latest project aims not just to build a playground—but to establish a vibrant, inclusive space where children of all ages and abilities can gather, play, imagine, and connect with local heroes.
The project, formally termed Heroes Park, will bring to life a first-responder-themed, all-inclusive playground planned located directly in front of the new Van Alstyne Public Safety Facility. The intent: build more than a set of swings and slides, but a place where every child is welcome, where families can gather, and where the connection between the community and its public-safety partners is strengthened.
The Need & the Opportunity
When the city commenced construction of a new public safety building, set to house police, firefighters, and dispatchers, a beloved public playground at North Park was demolished to accommodate the change. Because the city’s budget did not cover the replacement playground, the Van Alstyne Police Association stepped in to fill this gap.
VAPA’s founder and president, Bethany Budgewater, noted that the project is a community imperative:
“It’s a need that we have here… and so we will get there.”
Bethany Budgewater is the dedicated founder and president of the Van Alstyne Police Association, a nonprofit she launched to support local officers and strengthen the bond between law enforcement and the community. Through her leadership, the association has become a trusted resource for fundraising, officer assistance, and community outreach, stepping in when families face hardship or specialized needs. Bethany’s commitment goes beyond administration, she actively coordinates events, mobilizes local support, and advocates for those who serve. Her vision, compassion, and hands-on approach have made the association a vital pillar in Van Alstyne’s efforts to care for its police officers and their families.
What Heroes Park Will Look Like
The vision for Heroes Park is thoughtfully inclusive, and purpose driven. According to the VAPA:
- The playground is designed for children of all ages and abilities, ensuring accessibility and universal design.
- It is located strategically “right in front of the public-safety building,” giving children the chance to meet and interact with officers and first responders on a first-name basis, building trust, familiarity, and positive relationships.
- The branding includes a playful monkey character named “Dale,” who already sits on a “shiny slide” thanks to the first $100,000 in funds raised. The website describes this as “Dale’s first step.” Dale is named in memory of a police detective that VAPA assisted with cancer treatment and final arrangements.
- Each $100,000 funding milestone brings a new piece of playground “magic.” So far, the slide is in place; the remainder of the equipment (swings, climbing walls, seesaws, accessible surfaces) is awaiting funding.
By designing the project this way, VAPA is not just creating a playground, but embedding meaningful connections: first-responders met on friendly ground, children of all abilities included, families gathering, and the local community strengthened.
How the Fundraiser Works
VAPA has adopted a multifaceted approach to raising the $840,000 needed. Some of the key fundraising strategies include:
- Direct donations & sponsorships: Community members, businesses, and philanthropic supporters are invited to contribute one-time, monthly, or annual gifts.
- Sponsorship tiers & milestones: As each $100,000 milestone is reached, a new playground component is added, encouraging donors to “see” the impact of their contributions. You can also sponsor a specific piece of the playground!
- Community engagement events: The association is leveraging raffles (such as autographed guitars by notable musicians) to raise funds and boost awareness. For example: tickets are just $5 each, proceeds go toward Heroes Park.
- Volunteers & committees: A dedicated “Playground Committee” has been formed to spread the word, coordinate sponsorships, and maintain momentum until the project is fully funded.
VAPA is mobilizing the community, creating visible milestones, and giving supporters multiple ways to engage.
Why It Matters
1. Inclusivity & accessibility
Many playgrounds are built with able-bodied children in mind. Heroes Park is intentionally inclusive for children with disabilities, mobility differences, sensory needs, and varying ages will all be able to play together. This sends a powerful message: in Van Alstyne, every child belongs.
2. Strengthening community-public safety bonds
By locating the playground near the public-safety building and creating opportunities for children to meet officers and first responders casually, the project fosters familiarity and trust. In today’s climate, building personal connections contributes to safer, stronger community relationships.
3. Investing in healthy childhoods and local spaces
Playgrounds are more than swings, they’re where children develop physically, socially, emotionally, and creatively. For Van Alstyne, this means investing in the next generation, in a vibrant downtown or near-downtown community space that benefits residents and enhances quality of life.
4. Community pride & identity
The “first-responder themed” playground acknowledges and honors local heroes while also rooting in the space in the culture of Van Alstyne. It creates a unique identity and draws a connection between the service of public-safety teams and the joy of childhood play.
Get Involved — 5 Ways to Contribute
- Donate directly: Visit the VAPA website (https://vanalstynepa.org) and click on the Playground Fundraiser page to make a one-time or recurring gift.
- Become a sponsor: Business owners and individuals can explore sponsorship opportunities, naming rights, milestone representation, etc.
- Participate in fundraising events: Buy raffle tickets (e.g., autographed guitars), join community events, and share the cause on social media to help raise awareness.
- Join the Playground Committee: If you want to roll up your sleeves and help with outreach, event planning, or fundraising strategy, there’s a committee you can join.
- Spread the word: Even if you can't give financially right now, sharing the fundraiser with friends, neighbors, local businesses and on social media helps build momentum and community engagement.
Looking Ahead
With the first $100,000 milestone already achieved (and “Dale the Monkey” already enjoying the slide), the task now shifts to bringing the remaining pieces of the vision to life. There remains a substantial fundraising gap to hit the full projected cost of $840,000.
As funds grow, the key next steps will include finalizing the design and construction contracts, scheduling installation of the inclusive playground equipment, and planning a grand opening event to bring the community together. It’s likely that as each piece is added, swings, climbing walls, seesaws, accessible surface, the visible progress will inspire further support.
Through every $100k milestone, VAPA invites the community to see how a donation becomes a tangible part of the playground. That transparency and sense of ownership help build long-term community buy-in.
The Van Alstyne Police Association’s playground fundraiser isn’t just about installing playground equipment: it’s about building connections, inclusivity, and community pride. Heroes Park represents a space where children of all abilities can play side by side, where local heroes are part of the daily landscape, and where the community says: we’re in this together.
For Van Alstyne, this is more than a project, it’s a legacy. Whether you donate, volunteer, or simply spread the word, your involvement helps ensure that the next generation has a safe and fun place to grow and play.
Let’s rally together, Van Alstyne, and bring this vision to life!
“All proceeds benefit Heroes Park: An inclusive playground that ensures kids of all abilities have a place to play, laugh, and grow together.”
Bethany Budgewater is the founder and president of the Van Alstyne Police Association, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting local officers and strengthening community partnerships. Since establishing the organization, she has led efforts to assist first responders, coordinate fundraising initiatives, and champion projects such as Heroes Park. Known for her compassion, leadership, and commitment to service, Bethany works tirelessly to ensure officers and their families receive meaningful support while fostering a stronger, more connected Van Alstyne community.