More fun is on the way to Edmond, Oklahoma, just in time for the spring and summer. The spacecraft-themed Chitwood Park will launch a fun, new design for kids of all ages in March, weather permitting of course. The design will expand on the current spacecraft theme of the old rocket slide with new custom-made playground equipment.
The original rocket slide has become somewhat of a safety issue over the years. Children are able to crawl through spaces that they shouldn't have and pull bars off. The rocket slide was added to Chitwood Park in the late 1960s. Many of Edmond's adult residents can remember playing on the rocket slide as a child.
Since the rocket slide is no longer in compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Commission guidelines, the Edmond Parks and Recreation Department decided to remove it and add a new custom made one. The new playground will also be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, which will allow every child with a disability to enjoy the playground equipment, too. Padding around areas of the playground will also be added for softer landings.
The Parks and Recreation Department decided almost five years ago, as part of a five-year strategic plan, to update the facility with custom made equipment totaling just over $100,000. Usually, the neighborhood association members assist with updating area parks, but the Chitwood Neighborhood Alliance was not formed until 2007. So, the Parks and Recreation Department is doing it themselves.
Edmond residents seem really excited about the update to the park. It will be the most unique playground in all of Edmond's parks system. It really shows that Edmond is looking into the future.
Edmond, Oklahoma Community Information
The Centennial Groves are a gateway to Edmond , Oklahoma and they are getting a financial boost from the Edmond City Council for improvement projects. The Centennial Groves welcoming site will receive just over $34,000 to plant new trees and for a good irrigation system.
The Centennial Groves project will include long-term development and quality of tree parks as well as other landscaping at 2nd Street , 15th Street and 33rd Street along I-35.
A budget of $187,000 was approved and setup by the City Council for Street Scape and median maintenance which included Centennial Groves. Some of the money will pay for contracting services. Some of it will also pay for electrical costs. Some money will also be dedicated to paying for mowing the grass and tree replacements and the expenses of entrance improvements that have already been done.
The Centennial Groves project truly shows that the City of Edmond really does value its environment and is looking out for the future by making the community a better place to live now. It looks like Edmond is trying to maintain its integrity as being named one of the top 100 "Best Places to Live" in 2006 by Money Magazine.
Interesting facts about Edmond :
· Located in central Oklahoma
· The sixth biggest city in Oklahoma
· Was founded in 1832
· Became an official city in 1886
· Has three wonderful, public school districts
· Lots of attractions and recreation
· A great place to live, work and play
Edmond, Oklahoma offers all the convenience of the bigger cities, only in a small town atmosphere.
Edmond, Oklahoma Community Information
In today's economy , it is harder than ever to save for a downpayment to buy a new home. It's now one of the biggest problems facing potential homebuyers. On one hand money can give you the greatest purchasing power if you have enough, but on the other hand it can also greatly limit your purchasing power if you don't have enough.
Many people are looking for alternatives to saving the money themselves. Therefore, I have some tips on how to accumulate the necessary funds to purchase a new home :
· Borrow or sell against an asset. Borrowing against an asset such as a car is acceptable but can be a little risky. You will have to still qualify with the additional debt. Selling an asset is the most acceptable because it increases the amount of money you have available.
· Have a relative or a really good friend give you the money as a gift. You will have to prove the money was given as a gift and not a loan. This can easily be done by documentation. Anyone who pays taxes is allowed to give a gift of $10,000 per year per person without paying a gift tax. Here's an example of how that will work: Your father could give you $10,000 and your spouse $10,000. Your mother could do the same. You would then have $40,000. Most lenders don't require that much down, but that is how it can work. If the money needs to be paid back, do so in monthly installments that can be agreed upon.
· Borrow against your 401K policy. You can borrow against your 401K or cash it out. If you borrow against it , you will have added debt and will still have to qualify for the loan with the additional debt. If you cash it out, you will be subject to withdraw penalties.
· Ask the seller to pay. You can ask the seller to pay for all or part of the non-recurring closing cost as long as they're within allowable limits. Your real estate agent will help you make an offer on any home you are interested in buying. You can also ask the seller to carry back financing. In any case that the seller does not need all their equity right away, you can ask them to carry some of the financing. This will reduce the amount you pay down.
· Try to obtain zero point or low point loan. If you are able to obtain a low or zero point loan, your closing costs will be reduced substantially.
· Consider a different loan program. There are several loan programs out there. Your loan officer will help you choose the loan that's best for your situation. There are also several programs that will assist homebuyers with their downpayments.
Here's a wonderful story about a great high school in Edmond , Oklahoma .
Soon Edmond will see tornados, lions and witches flying through the air of the Edmond North High School . The dreams of fifty-two local high school students will come true when they star in the Wizard of Oz musical in March. These energetic students will dance, sing and fly in the upcoming musical.
The Wizard of Oz has been an iconic American musical fantasy since 1939. The musical was based on the 1900 children's novel "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz."
Tickets go on sale this week in Edmond , Oklahoma as rehearsals also begin. Seats and equipment will be rented, totaling $55,000. The money used to rent the seats and equipment came through the support of the community over a two year period.
The flying effects will be supplied by ZFX in Kentucky and costumes and set design will be rented from a music theater in Wichita .
Chris Castleberry, a choreographer, will teach the students the dances and oversee all practices. He will also oversee a full orchestra that will be performing for the musical.
Students will set up and maintain all lights and sound. It's unique and will have mistakes. Remember, it's live theater. There will also be over 100 parents participating in the set up of the musical. Parents will help with ticket sales, publicity, merchandise, concessions, decorations, food, t-shirts and programs.
Performances will be held on March 5th & 6th at 2 p.m. and March 7th at 8 p.m. Tickets will be $10 for adults and $7 for senior citizens and children under 3.
It looks like Edmond is not only a great place to live, but also a great place for education and fun.
Many new homeowners have the same question, "How will my status as a new homeowner affect my taxes?" and "What are some deductions I should be aware of?". Although I cannot provide specific directions on taxes, I can, however, tell you a few things you can deduct on your return to receive the full benefits of home ownership.
For the 2008 tax year, homeowners who do not itemize will be able to deduct property taxes up to $500 for single taxpayers and $1,000 for married couples filing jointly. This can be deducted on top of standard deductions.
Tax rules can be complex for many of us as they are always changing. It is best to consult with your tax professional to determine how deductions will apply in your situation.
Typically, itemizers can deduct interest paid on home mortgages, state and local property taxes, interest paid on home equity loans for credit lines, some or all private mortgage insurance premiums if your household income is under $109,000, and mortgage points.
Good luck in your new home and on your taxes. Be sure to ask your tax professional about these deductions so you can get the maximum on your tax refund.
IRS - www.irs.gov
Selling Real Estate in - Edmond * Oklahoma City * Yukon * Moore * Steeplechase * Deer Creek * Oak Tree Oklahoma
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