Dedication set for June 6 in Scandinavia
The dedication of Jorgens Park and Preserve will be held Saturday, June 6, at 880 N. Shore Dr., Scandinavia.
The park is dedicated to preserving the natural beauty, serenity and the memory of the property donated by Carsten and Dora Jorgens.
Tours will begin at 1:30 p.m., with the dedication program at 2:30 p.m. The tours of the trail and property will be guided by Friends of Jorgens Park Preserve (FOJPP) board members.
The program at the park shelter will include a short history of the Jorgens and the project, plus the unveiling of a memorial plaque.
The dedication schedule includes: Short overview of estate donation, park and trail developments, comments from family, unveiling and reading of the plaque, appreciation of donors, and ends with root beer floats and a toast to Carsten and Dora.
Consisting of about 40 acres of rolling fields, meadows, wooded timber and wetland areas, the property encompasses the northern and eastern shores of Silver Lake in the village and township of Scandinavia.
The area has been developed into Jorgens’ Park and Preserve and Gunny’s Hiking Trail, and now includes hiking trails, picnic areas, prairies and a shelter.
Through a partnership with the Iola-Scandinavia School District, a school forest project is also integrated within the park.
Community donation
Carsten and Dora Jorgens were a rural Scandinavia farming couple who loved the community they were a part of, and the land they resided and made a living on. They lived by these simple, yet definitive words from Sir Winston Churchill: “We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.”
Carsten, or “Gunnysack,” and his wife Dora were local legends.
Gunnysack operated a small dairy farm and Dora was assistant postmaster in Scandinavia for many years. They both were active members of Scandinavia Lutheran Church and volunteered for the Scandinavia Free Fair. Gunnysack was a longtime member of the Scandinavia Volunteer Fire Department.
The Jorgens had no children and essentially, the community was a large part of their family. They bequeathed their property to four area organizations.
A community-based fundraiser purchased the property and developed the park for the use and enjoyment of the public.
The ice cream for the event is sponsored by Waupaca County Dairy Promotion Association. The root beer is sponsored by General Beer, NE, Central Division.
The Friends of Jorgens Park Preserve Inc. is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization.