TowneBank will donate $300,000 toward improvements at Smithfield’s Windsor Castle Park.

Representatives from the Suffolk-headquartered bank announced the donation on July 29 during the Windsor Castle Park Foundation’s “Play in the Park Day,” which serves as the kickoff for the foundation’s capital campaign.

“I’m thrilled,” said Smithfield Parks and Recreation Director Amy Novak. “This is huge.”

“On behalf of the Town of Smithfield, especially those who utilize Windsor Castle Park, we are very grateful to TowneBank for their generous donation that will improve the park’s amenities,” said Smithfield Mayor Steve Bowman. “As we know, outdoor recreation improves the health and well-being of all participants, especially our children. This donation of $300,000 will enable the Windsor Castle Park Foundation to construct a facility that will be beneficial and beautiful for all.”

““The TowneBank Foundation is pleased to support the Windsor Castle Park Foundation’s capital campaign to make enhancements to the park property,” said Thomas Woodward, president of Suffolk and Western Tidewater for TowneBank. “This project aligns with our mission of enhancing the quality of life in the communities we serve.”

“Windsor Castle Park is a wonderful asset for Smithfield and the surrounding community.  The park provides venues for events, facilities for recreation as well as educational opportunities for people of all ages,” Woodward added. “This unique property brings people together and improves the quality of life for those who enjoy all the park has to offer.”

The foundation, a nonprofit organization, operates separately from the town-owned park for the purpose of raising funds for its improvement. Novak said the foundation hasn’t decided yet how to earmark Towne Bank’s donation, but is considering several ideas already approved by Smithfield’s Town Council.

Among them are replacing the portable toilets at the park with real bathrooms, adding a picnic pavilion, outdoor education pavilion, expanding the network of walking trails and adding play features like ziplines and swings.

TowneBank opened a Smithfield branch in 2022 after merging with the former Windsor-headquartered Farmers Bank, but has been supporting Windsor Castle Park for several years. In 2015, TowneBank donated $25,000 toward developing the park’s natural play area.

The 208-acre park sits in the center of town and includes Smithfield founder Arthur Smith IV’s 18th century manor house, now a town-run event center.