RFL park will officially open this summer
By Stephen Clearheart Johnson
North Forty News
The new community park in Red Feather Lakes will open to the public this
summer--more or less. Organizers hope to have a grand opening, complete
with outdoor concert, on Memorial Day or on the Fourth of July--maybe.
The uncertainty reflects the creative process that built this park. When
residents of this unincorporated village decided to have a city park they
lacked only one thing--a city government to acquire land, build, maintain
and insure the facility. The Mountain Lion's Club chose to cook up a park
using methods from an ancient community tactic--the potluck.
Starting with land leased at a nominal price from the Mary Ross Quaintance
Trust and insurance arranged through Lion's International, the club organized
local churches, businesses and individuals to create a park in a truly
community fashion. Some helped build a bridge over the creek feeding Lake
Ramona. Others laid out the walking and golf-cart paths. The nearby golf
course agreed to mow, and they donated six picnic tables. Lowe's threw
in four more tables for good measure. Others brought poles for the parking
lot, built a shed to house a porta-potty, also donated, or labored to remove
fences.
The new park is located within walking distance of downtown Red Feather.
Organizers hope this will help attract visitors to the arts and crafts
shows held in Red Feather. Local churches will use the park for Easter
sunrise services, and firefighters are organizing horseshoe tournaments.
The library district may hold summer reading programs and events in the
park.
The focal point of the park is the Veteran's Memorial, which was moved
from its precarious location next to the helipad. Now the poles can remain
up, and the flags can fly all day, all night.
The new park can be accessed off Beebe Road, and it is open for public
use now--sort of. Anyone who would like to add his or her talents, or
provide a side dish for this potluck park, may contact Eunice Michalka,
park coordinator, at 690-5007.
|
