WILMINGTON — Troy Seeger has taken on a challenge to raise $65,000 to top off the funds needed for the basic splash and concrete skate parks project at David R. Williams Park.

Seeger, 32, remembers playing T-ball and coach-pitch ball on the park grounds between Rombach and Fife avenues. As a Wilmington High School cross country runner, he recalls when the cross country course was moved to the park’s green space.

The sand volleyball courts and the full basketball court also occupy special places in his memory.

“From young childhood all the way into adolescence, the activities and amenities at the parks have always been important to me,” he said during an interview at the city park.

He wants to see those great park memories he has from his own childhood be matched by great memories for the upcoming generation. Many of those newly made memories, he feels, will be tied to the skate and splash parks.

In an early step to the fundraising campaign, more than 300 letters recently were sent to area businesses. A gofundme initiative was activated as well.

In the letter, Seeger wrote, “Upon completion, the skate and splash parks will be the largest youth project in the history of our park system’s existence.”

In championing the concrete skate park, he stated it “will provide a safe haven for children and young adults to socialize while also promoting intense physical activity, setting and accomplishing goals. Healthy exercise and public social venues are vital to the youth of our community, and thus are well worth the time and treasure to create a high-quality amenity in the form of a skate park.”

Two weeks following his WHS graduation in 2002, he started four years of service in the U.S. Army. He did two deployments in Iraq where he was with a lot of infantry units, and spent a total of 16 months overseas.

After getting married and living in North Carolina, he moved back to the Wilmington area in 2012. He and his wife Amanda have two daughters, Ansley 6½, and Katelyn 3½.

“It’s a good place to grow up, and it’s also a good place to raise my kids,” he said.

Reach Gary Huffenberger at 937-556-5768 or on Twitter @GHuffenberger.

With a shelter house protecting them from a heavy rainfall, Troy Seeger and his daughter Katelyn look out at David R. Williams Park.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2016/05/web1_profile_seeger_f.jpgWith a shelter house protecting them from a heavy rainfall, Troy Seeger and his daughter Katelyn look out at David R. Williams Park.

From left, looking at examples of splash park features, are Amanda Seeger, Dori Shidaker, Troy Seeger holding daughter Ansley, and Wilmington Parks and Recreation Director Lori Kersey Williams.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2016/05/web1_seeger_group_f.jpgFrom left, looking at examples of splash park features, are Amanda Seeger, Dori Shidaker, Troy Seeger holding daughter Ansley, and Wilmington Parks and Recreation Director Lori Kersey Williams.