|
Post by BlueStar7 on Oct 10, 2007 8:12:48 GMT -6
Well, Galsal...tell them the Spring Lake Project is re-vived! There is about 1/2 of the gravel poured for parking, a hand-rail and steps leading down to the falls, 3 trails cut and kept trimmed so far. (more trails coming in the future) There are also stepping stones leading up the hill, with a small "Flower Garden" and the construction started yesterday on a new footbridge. There will be a total of 4 bridges, to utilize the entire park, when we get finished. I say we, and use the term lightly, as I've had a lot of personal chores to finish and work a lot of OT...BUT the people doing the most of the work are some local retirees. Let me tell you they are a great bunch of people to work with! Joanie, at the Historical Society has gotten a lot of history together for the group and prepared a speech on it for the teachers that were out there a few weeks past. The involvement of students going on field trips there and utilizing it for all kinds of projects is tremendous! Getting them there and involving them at a young age, will help insure they know what's available out there and become involved in it's future too... Here's the link to the article: mywebtimes.com/archives/ottawa/display.php?id=345347&query=Spring%20LakeBTW, This Sat. is clean-up day out there...9am There will be garbage bags and gloves available. Dress with long sleeves and pants (there's still a lot of Poison Ivy out there. You may want to bring boots. If you have tools for cutting/thinning weeds/trees, please bring them with you.
|
|
|
Post by BlueStar7 on Oct 12, 2007 1:27:19 GMT -6
This Sat. is clean-up day out there...9am There will be garbage bags and gloves available. Dress with long sleeves and pants (there's still a lot of Poison Ivy out there. You may want to bring boots. If you have tools for cutting/thinning weeds/trees, please bring them with you.
|
|
|
Post by John on Oct 14, 2007 7:47:22 GMT -6
Sorry Bluestar, I missed the part where you said 9 A.M. We went out there after lunch. The place is really shaping up, looks real nice.
|
|
|
Post by BlueStar7 on Oct 14, 2007 10:30:58 GMT -6
Sorry Bluestar, I missed the part where you said 9 A.M. We went out there after lunch. The place is really shaping up, looks real nice. We left about 12:30, sorry to have missed you. There's another one next Sat. , 9am This group is the Streator Ministral Society Volunteers
|
|
|
Post by Blindman on Oct 14, 2007 10:36:30 GMT -6
Hey Blue, Thanks for the tour Fri. eve. Sorry I couldn't help yesterday. I got listed on the flight, drove to Des Moines, and they told me it was booked, as well as all flights to Phx for the next three days! Well, two people didn't show up, so I got on the plane at the last minute, and I'm back in Phx. For a while there, I thought I was gonna be turning around and heading back to Streator.
I need to add, that Bluestar and all of the volunteers have done a GREAT job at Spring Lake. It's looking really good out there.
|
|
|
Post by BlueStar7 on Oct 14, 2007 11:09:10 GMT -6
Thank You, BM..The others working on this project are just great go-getters... Glad you finally made it home, tell Mrs. BM, I said Hi...
|
|
|
Post by DumDave on Oct 16, 2007 11:53:32 GMT -6
Blindman.... Nice to meet -cha the other night! -Dave
|
|
|
Post by BlueStar7 on Nov 12, 2007 15:17:24 GMT -6
Streator to dedicate bridge Saturday, November 10, 2007 5:04 PM CST STREATOR -- A pedestrian bridge in Spring Lake, property that nearly was sold by the city, will be dedicated at 1 p.m. Thursday. The city shelved plans to sell the property to developers in March 2006 when it learned the state-donated park could not be resold. The city had purchased the 38-acre park on the western border of Streator for $1. Jerry O’Kraski, longtime chairman of the Streator Plan Commission, stepped forward with 100 volunteers to spruce up the property. The bridge, named after O’Kraski’s late wife, Pat, was built with local donations. All work in the park, including the bridge, new trails and a parking lot were put in without city funds. Volunteers also monitor the park to make sure ordinances are complied with, a concern of the city before a citizens’ committee was formed. (Pantagraph) "Everyone is invited to the Spring Lake Bridge dedication. Come to the park (west on Hwy 18 and north on E 16th Rd to the park) at 1:00 PM Thursday (Nov. 15). This will be a good time to recognize the bridge builders and the many businesses and organizations who contributed materials or labor. It will also be a good time to walk the trails and visit the water falls area. Check out the two big cottonwood trees and see the new parking lot. Mayor Ray Schmitt will accept the bridge on behalf of the people of Streator. The event will be covered by the media. Naturally, the Spring Lake Project volunteers will mention that donations may be made to the park restoration at the Streator Onized Credit Union. )post by 1 of the volunteers) Well said laguyon. People, since this last groop of citizens started on this project, they have taken off like you can't believe! This is not their first project either, they've been involved in the Canoe Launch, Hop-along Cassidy Trail and Catlin Park. The majority of the base of workers are local retires, and believe me, they are hard workers! That's not to take away from all the other local volunteers, business's and churche members who have assisted in cleaning up the park I only hope I have this much energy when I retire to put in the hours needed to keep this project going for our community. I also hope to finangle my way out of some of the OT I've been working, to be there Thurs. afternoon. Come on out and see the wonderful work done, how nice it is and the potential of it's future if we, the citizens keep up with. (Post by me )
|
|
|
Post by JessWunman on Nov 12, 2007 15:59:14 GMT -6
Congratulations, and thanks to the people who have worked so hard to improve the Spring Lake area!
|
|
|
Post by John on Nov 15, 2007 19:59:17 GMT -6
The new Spring Lake Bridge
|
|
|
Post by BlueStar7 on Nov 16, 2007 2:48:59 GMT -6
|
|
|
Post by JessWunman on Nov 16, 2007 21:39:31 GMT -6
|
|
|
Post by BlueStar7 on Nov 17, 2007 18:03:54 GMT -6
You were there? Bella came right up to me @ the falls and her owner said she never goes up to someone ands sits or lets them pet her. We became friends instantly. Nice video!
|
|
|
Post by JessWunman on Nov 17, 2007 19:28:23 GMT -6
Thanks!
I was there. Why the surprised look?
|
|
|
Post by John on Nov 17, 2007 19:38:22 GMT -6
I went out there this afternoon and met some very nice people out there. I gave them a quick tour and they were impressed with what has been done so far out there. One couple said they were looking forward to having picnics out there. Nice job people!
|
|