By Edward Lynn
Editor
GOLDFIELD, Iowa — The flag area at Down Memory Lane Park has undergone significant improvements, thanks to the collective efforts of local businesses, community members, and generous donors.
The renovation, completed in mid-summer, addressed long-standing structural issues. “The boulders, flagpole, and bench were beginning to sink into the ground due to an old building foundation causing the ground to cave,” explained Greg Schipull. Hennigar Construction managed the concrete work, pouring a large cement pad to stabilize the area. GrassMasters Landscaping, led by TJ Stumpf, completed the surrounding landscaping.
In addition to the structural upgrades, a new sign highlighting the Bayview Club’s Community Improvement awards from the 1990s will soon be displayed, with a frame crafted by Paul Sorensen. Sorensen also donated two new flower boxes in memory of his mother, Arlis Sorensen, which will be filled with red, white, and blue flowers next spring. His brother, John Sorensen, contributed funds for flowers, rocks, and soil.
Seven rose bushes will be planted around the flag area in memory of community members, including donations from the Class of ’66 for Ernie Lewis and Denny Stephens, and from Greg Schipull and Dana Halvorson in honor of former girls’ basketball coach Larry Stewart. Additional dedications include Jim Johnson, Alice Ruiter, Kay Meinke, and Edward Smith.
Other enhancements to the park include birdhouses, a butterfly garden with bee habitats, eight new trees—two evergreens donated in memory of Katy Whyte and her son Loy—and expanded pathways with additional rock and mulch. A new flower garden now features peonies donated by the Class of ’66 in memory of Carol Helmke and Diane Cunningham Nelson, along with a rose bush in honor of Sandy Powell. A yellow maple tree stands west of the flag area in memory of Sandy Schipull.
A bench near the parking lot entrance, donated by Dana Halvorson in memory of Sandy and Duane Schipull, is complemented by cranberry bushes from Jim and Dave Harvey. Plans for spring include planting a Strawberry Vanilla Hydrangea tree in memory of Pam and Ernie Lewis, donated by Matt and Mark Lenning and Sue Girard.
Financial support for the renovations came from Gold Eagle Coop and Land O’Lakes, contributing $8,000, First Bank in Goldfield with a $500 donation, and a $1,000 grant from the Wright County Charitable Foundation. Schipull expressed gratitude for the widespread support: “All of these improvements are possible because of individual, business, memorial, alumni donations, fundraisers, grants, park workdays, and thousands of collected cans.”
Community members are encouraged to visit and witness the ongoing transformation. “We look forward to continuing improvements to the park!” Schipull added.
Continued financial support is also sought, including the ongoing donation recyclable aluminum beverage cans.
