Give a little, get a lot
Old Settlers' Day is looming on the horizon, and like years past, most of the activities next weekend will take place in beautiful Central Park.
It doesn't matter if you've attended one OSD or 50, you have memories of Central Park. Those memories might be Kiwanis beef burgers, the traditional egg toss, or sitting in the shade, catching up with old friends. If you grew up here, it's a pretty safe bet that you spent some time swinging under the stately old trees or sliding down the slides.
This year will be no different. While you're in the park on Old Settlers' Day, you'll see another generation of children swinging and sliding. They might even be your children or grandchildren.
While you're in the park, take a loook at the wooden playground equipment and you'll notice it's starting to show its age. A group of concerned individuals have formed the Central Park Improvement Committee to raise money to replace the wooden playground equipment, which has been in use for decades.
The Central Park Improvement Committee hopes to raise $75,000 to purchase a galvanized steel playground set, rubber mulching, spring toys, and a swing set. In order to save more than $14,000, the group must raise $40,000 by the end of November — two short months from now.
Wouldn't it be great if all old settlers — young and old, near and far — who call Marion "home" gave a donation for this worthy cause? Those Marion High School classes celebrating reunions might consider purchasing a brick, stone, or bench to have their class immortalized in Central Park. Heck, why stop there? If each class member purchased a brick, you could have your own "class section."
The committee is selling 4x8-inch bricks for $50, 8x12-inch stones for $125, or marble benches for $1,500.
There surely are several people who come for Old Settlers' Day who have sentimental attachments to Central Park and Marion. This would be a fabulous way to "give back" to the community you once called home.
Those old settlers who still live here also can get involved by sponsoring part of the Fall Festival scheduled for Oct. 20. The committee will host the festival in Central Park as a fund-raiser for the project. A list of activities needing sponsors is printed elsewhere in this issue.
From one old settler to another, I challenge each of you to give a donation to this project. Whether it's $5, $50, or $500 — the committee will be grateful. Generations of children will continue to make memories in Central Park and you'll feel good knowing you did a good thing for the old hometown.
— DONNA BERNHARDT
If you would like more information about the project or to make a donation, see the ad in this issue, contact the city office at 620-382-3703, or visit the website www.centralparkimprovement.com.
