Waterloo Park Campaign Continues

Article by Dave Kurtz | KPC News | April 3, 2019 

WATERLOO — A campaign to raise money for a new park in Waterloo has reached more than half its goal.

The town is working to raise $48,750 by May 1 to qualify for a matching grant from the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority’s CreatINg Places program.

The money will help build Veterans Memorial Park on the town’s south side, stretching along the east side of Center Street (C.R. 35) south from Walnut Street (C.R. 28).

During a fundraising party at the park site Monday afternoon, two donors gave a combined $15,000 to the cause.

“It’s a good surprise — a nice surprise,” said Ed McDowd, president of the town’s park board.

A website for the park campaign shows the drive is two-thirds of the way home, with $33,803 reported from 89 donors.

The park will include a pond, sled hill, dog run and a memorial to military veterans. McDowd said he envisions, “A nice, little, quiet park to remember the veterans.”

Plans for the park are still in development, he said.

Brian Ruegsegger of R.P. Wakefield Co. presented a donation of $5,000. He recalled growing up in Waterloo after moving to the town at the age of 3. He said the town has been a good place to operate his family’s business, which now is in its third generation.

American Legion Post 97 of Auburn brought a check for $10,000 toward the park fund.

“We want to thank the town of Waterloo for their hard work and effort in creating this Veterans Memorial Park for the community. Our veterans are not forgotten, and we appreciate it very much,” said Tom Emerick, second vice commander of the Legion post.

“If they need more help, we’re going to push some more through,” pledged Larry Uehlein, commander of the Legion post.

At Monday’s event, Waterloo firefighters grilled pork burgers and hot dogs, and the Army National Guard brought a bungee run for children.

For project details and to donate, people can visit patronicity.com/project/waterloo_veterans_memorial_park#!/

Article source: https://www.kpcnews.com/thestar/article_a4876b66-2983-51c8-8a1f-e338c45365c8.html