Complimentary root beer floats. The opportunity for some friendly competition through a game of horseshoes or volleyball. Various children’s activities. An overall sense of community.
During the so-called “dog days of summer,” few, young and old alike, can sanely argue against anything promising quite so much and sure to deliver in terms of enjoyability. To cap it off, the combination of the entirety of theses endeavors all serve as mere additions to the July 22 event’s ultimate objective: to unveil the long awaited expanse known as the Money Creek Park.
Some three years ago, located just north of Houston, a select few citizens of the Money Creek Township were doing simply what both residents and tourists of rural southeast Minnesota seem to do best: admiring the beautiful scenery around them. As a joint means of encouraging such a mindset to continue through later generations as well as to unite the community, these individuals kicked off their quest by the straightforward establishment of the Money Creek Township Legacy Council.
Soon after and amidst unanimous support, the board was offered in excess of an acre of unutilized land by the township for the purpose of developing a community park. In addition, a separate fund account was instituted for the exclusive intention of managing the venture’s financial aspects. Township supervisors also contributed by authorizing the construction of the park’s first picnic table, an action demonstrating their commitment.
And so began a process years in the making. With the aid of grant money and a handful of devoted Boy Scouts and volunteers, the concept became more than just that with the initial planting of trees now encompassing nearly all of the space’s perimeter. Proposals for the accompaniment of a pavilion soon followed, completed again largely with the help of additional monetary donations and Eagle Scouts.
As can likely be expected, the undertaking experienced its fair share of hurdles, however. Presumably the most significant of these lies in the occurrence of the dubbed “Money Creek Village” being unincorporated and lacking substantial size or influence. With the Money Creek Township Board essentially functioning as the sole government entity throughout the region, generating the widespread support of residents proved challenging. Though each and every was and continues to be equally and undoubtedly appreciated, volunteers came and went. Despite an increasing number choosing to take part as of late, a communal inaugural event seemed to provide the best means of rounding up that sense of common identity that still seemed to be lacking.
Fast forward to the present, and not only does the Money Creek Park include the now mature native shade trees and pavilion, but horseshoe pits and a volleyball court as well. What’s more, those who have maintained close involvement throughout the evolution of the park are also hoping to install playground equipment, a half basketball court, and serenity gardens paying tribute to area veterans and community contributors in the near future.
Perhaps the overall roadmap of the Money Creek Park can best be summed up by volunteer Joan Redig’s statement, “I realize we have come a long way from a bare field in less than three years.”
The Money Creek Park inaugural event will be held on Sunday, July 22, at the Money Creek Town Hall from 3-7 p.m. and will showcase the achievement of the estate while additionally allowing attendees to observe and play a role in prospective expansions. Any and all are both greatly welcome and encouraged to attend.
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