As many Jackson residents anticipate the grand opening of their city's new civic center, a fundraising committee is asking for help in making it a great place to be.

The committee's goal is to raise $205,000 for things such as pickleball nets, paddles, balls, first aid supplies and kitchen equipment. Some of the money also will be used for finishing touches such as landscaping and wall art -- all the little things that can make a blank public building into a warm, welcoming oasis for friends and neighbors of all ages.

In a recent letter on the city's Facebook page, Mayor Dwain Hahs explained the reasons for the funding need.

"With all the available funding (sources), there are still high costs associated with the furnishing of the Civic Center," he wrote. "The Jackson Park Board gratefully acknowledges those who have donated their time and funds to this worthwhile facility and respectfully requests that other citizens and businesses consider joining with those donors in their support of what is truly a community project ..."

Not only is the center a community project, but when finished -- and fully furnished -- it will be a community gathering place. Young and old will visit for exercise and companionship, fun and memory making.

We encourage anyone interested in visiting the center to consider helping make sure it's everything it can be, even if the amount is modest. Every little bit helps.

To learn more, call (573) 243-8331.