News : Shellsburg Memorial Park Improvement

As part of the Shellsburg Area Community Group's (SACG) ongoing efforts to improve the city's park areas, the Parks Committee undertook the task of researching, funding, acquiring and installing a steel shaded canopy and picnic table on a concrete pad during the fall of 2024. It is at the East end of Memorial Park. SACG received a generous grant from the Benton County Community Foundation. Also used were SACG funds, including a donation from Jim and Jacquie Hodgson. They donated money to SACG in December 2018, requesting it be used to honor Louie Gardemann. Dedicating this shade structure seemed like the perfect opportunity. A bronze plaque was recently installed on the shelter recognizing the donation in memory of Louie.

All work was done by volunteers. The picnic table is a modern style made from recycled plastic and both the shelter and table should be low maintenance. A special thank you to Jim Hidinger for serving as chair of the Park Committee and overseeing the project. Many thanks also to Lonnie Speckner for taking charge of the concrete work, donating his labor on the concrete and overseeing the assembly of the structure. Others involved in the assembly process were Jay Herman, Dave Oldakowski, Tim Meier, Jim Hidinger, Jon Sheldon and Bob Thorkildson.

Because the structure is located at the East end of Memorial Park near the walking trail and disk golf course, we hope it will be well used. Be sure and stop by and check it out!