WHAT:

The Willows Park Preserve, a 501c3 nonprofit organization with a $1M private donation, is undergoing a major revitalization project on the iconic Willows Mansion. In 2019, the Willows Park Preserve executed a 25-year lease with Radnor Township to revive and operate the publicly-owned mansion.

The former family residence will become a self-sustaining community hub offering dynamic, year round programming for all ages. Lecture series, bird watching, Tai Chi, and musical performances are examples of the many programs to be offered at the mansion free of charge. Festivals and larger scale events will occur seasonally and 25 private events held each year.

At this time, the Willows Mansion was in need of a painting refresh of its downstairs rooms. Nolan Painting volunteered and donated its time, labor and resources to remove wallpaper and repaint the living room and billboards room—worth $5,200 in value.

WHO IT BENEFITS:

“Inspired by Nature. Built for Community.” The restoration project benefits the public community making it a desirable place to meet friends, relax and experience its beauty within nature.

WHEN & WHERE:

The painting project took place in September 2020 at The Willows Park Preserve, 490 Darby Paoli Road, Villanova, PA 19085.

WHY:

Revitalizing a place like the Willows falls in line with our Nolan in the Neighborhood’s mission. We seek out public parks like the Willows to help because this kind of community space ultimately enhances people’s physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

“Nolan in the Neighborhood partnered with the Willows Park Preserve to paint two rooms on the first floor of the mansion. Left untouched for decades, the rooms required a lot of restoration. The transformation has revitalized the first floor and has made a significant difference by creating new programming spaces. From start to finish, the Nolan Team was wonderful to work with and they ensured quality workmanship throughout the process. In these unprecedented times, supporting our communities is more important than ever. The Nolan in the Neighborhood program enables us to further our own mission as a space for public use. We are grateful for Nolan’s help and look forward to partnering with them on more upcoming projects.” —Tish Long, Board President