West Concord park project nears completion

Many small towns are dependent on volunteers and citizen generosity to build a better future for their communities.
Evidence of that is plentiful in West Concord, where a nearly $500,000 project approaches competition. A flagpole and flag donated by Scott Hodgman’s family flutters above the new black-and-white engraved monument that contains names of people and businesses who donated to the project. An engraved bench donated by the Gunhus family stands beneath the memorial.
The new pool house, which will have its formal grand opening June 17, needs finishing touches before it welcomes swimmers for the first time in nearly two years.
A new walking trail winds its way past the pool and exercise facility, which has received a massive facelift. The newly resurfaced facility features basketball hoops, and in summer room for pickleball and tennis. The floor is flooded in winter for hockey players and skaters.
The Miss West Concord competition will be held on the floor July 23.
Kim Jones is excited about the event as well as her continuing effort to sell pavers that rest in stone rest in stone in the monument’ shadow. She has sold more than 90, but there is room for 300. Pavers are available for $100 and can be purchased by calling Jones at (507) 951-7535.
Jones said the paver project has yielded unexpected rewards.
“I have reconnected with so many people because of the project,’’ she said.
For example, a schoolmate who moved to Alaska and she lost touch. They reconnected when the family purchased pavers.
Best of all, the community is so supportive of the project.
“It is hard to put into words how heartwarming it is,’’ she said. “The community has rallied around the project. The support has been overwhelming.’’
It shows, she said, that people’s roots run deep even if they live a long way from where they grew up.
Jones is quick to thank those who helped make the project so successful.
Ellingson Companies matched donations dollar for dollar and Jeremy Ellingson and his team labored on the project. Many others also contributed to the effort.
It is heartening to realize that so many people got involved in the project.
“It is great to see that so many want to give back to the community,’’ Jones said.