Grand opening planned in Scandinavia
By Holly Neumann
A grand opening for Sentral Park in Scandinavia will be held Sunday, Oct. 22.
The ceremony will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 205 Center St., Scandinavia, and will include food and gifts for children while supplies last.
The hope is that all donors, financial and in-kind, will be able to attend so they can be thanked in person.
Wayne Luck, who served on the park committee, said the park’s location has a rich history in Scandinavia.
“It has been the site of the Scandinavia Elementary School since 1884,” he said. “There were three school buildings on the property over those years, with the most recent being closed in 1982 and razed in 1986. The property was retained by the Village of Scandinavia as a park.”
Not only is Sentral Park important to the community for its rich history, but also for the value it brings to the lives of residents and visitors, according to Luck.
“We not only envision children playing on the new equipment, but we envision parents and grandparents pushing their kids on the swings, running in and amongst the playground equipment and watching their children swing or climb or slide,” he said. “We picture families going to the park to have their lunch, a snack or family picnics.”
The park is located within walking distance to downtown, Jorgens Park Preserve and Ellison Memorial Park.
“It completes Scandinavia’s park system with a place for active play,” Luck said. “Each park offers something special that is not duplicated at the other parks in the village.”
The hope is for Sentral Park to play a significant role in keeping the village active and vibrant, he said.
“Quality parks improve home values, attract new families to town and bring added financial support for local businesses,” he said. “It provides a safe community space for children to hone their social, creative and physical skills.”
It also provides an environment for all residents and guests to build community relationships, bringing them together for fun, laughter, conversation and support, Luck said.
“Supportive community relationships are vital for the long-term success of a small community such as Scandinavia,” he said. “We hope that the Sentral Park builds community relationships.”