DawsonTimes.com

Veterans Memorial Park Celebrates Revitalization

On August 13, 2010 a ribbon cutting ceremony was held to celebrate a revitalization of Veterans Memorial Park bringing several new additions to Dawson citizens.  

The most significant new feature is a lighted .8 mile multi-use path open to bicyclists and foot traffic.  The path weaves through the entire facility and guides visitors through further upgrades and changes across the park.

Located near the large pavilion, the multi-use path takes park visitors by five new “LifeTrail” exercise stations.  These stations are designed especially for senior citizens and are suitable for all ages and physical conditions.  They offer users opportunities to stretch and work out muscles in an outdoor setting.  Picture diagrams and simple directions on each unit clearly demonstrate how to perform each exercise.

In the same area, the path also circles a new children’s playground visible from each of the five LifeTrail stations.

The 10-ft. wide path is well-lit for evening patrons.  Nearing dusk each day the path is illuminated with lights staying on until 10:00 pm--an hour after the park officially closes. 

“The path really ties the park together,” said Dawson County Facilities Director James Tolbert.  He noted that in addition to the new playground and LifeTrail stations, users of the path will pass by the pool, the Senior Center, many of the ball fields, the original playground, the gymnasium, several pavilions, and the Gene Burnett Football Field with its surrounding track.  As part of the full renovation, the track also received a freshly paved surface.  Tolbert calls the difference “night and day.”

“Places like this are where people actually meet people,” Tolbert said.  “This is where families and communities are built.”

The new multi-use path climbs along elevation changes and runs through both open fields and shaded woods. 

Dawson County’s Public Works department performed the path’s leveling, grading, paving, and planting.

Other community groups also stepped in to help with the refurbishments. The Dawson County Woman’s Club is leading the “Grow Memories” drive to turn donations into park benches and swings while several veterans’ organizations have made numerous improvements over the years.