The Town of Redvers has dedicated a community park in honour of former resident, mayor, and beloved community member Gloria Larsen.
Larsen Park, which is located on Warren Street, was formally opened on Aug. 23 with a ribbon cutting ceremony and Axel Larsen, Gloria’s nephew, attending and cutting the ribbon.
Larson died peacefully at the age of 82 in December 2016. She was a resident of the community for many years, and served as the town’s mayor from 1994 – 2003.
Planning for the park has been underway for roughly a year, according to Bonnie Rutten, chief administrative officer for the town of Redvers.
“It was a smaller lot that we had in one of our subdivisions that wasn’t really being used for anything, and we just wanted to do something nice for Gloria,” said Rutten.
“She was a resident, a mayor, did countless hours of volunteer work, and drove the handi van in town. She took people wherever they wanted to go, and all she ever wanted in return was a thank you, she was just a really wonderful person and we figured this was the least we could do to celebrate her life.”
According to Rutten, there are a high number of young families within the subdivision where Larsen Park is located and there was no place for the children in the community to play without having to go across town.
“So that’s why we made the park there, we wanted to help the parents have somewhere nice to play with their kids. We built a little gazebo, and a play structure, so the parents can relax and watch their kids. We’re really excited that it’s open to everyone now and we think it will just be a fantastic addition to the town,” said Rutten.
Several members of the community contributed to the completion of the park, including Alain Gaudet, who provided the plaque dedicated to Gloria which is in the park, Frank Bedecs, who provided the concrete, and Sara Sutter, who donated and helped plant trees for the park.
“We also really want to thank everyone from the town who came out and helped us make the park as beautiful as it is,” said Rutten.
“We really wouldn’t have been able to make something so amazing, for such an amazing person without all of their help.”
The park also includes a swing set, a play structure, and a climbable dome structure for youths in the community and their families to enjoy.
