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Washington Evening Journal
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Washington, IA 52353
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West Park Wetlands dedicated
Park features splash pad, walking path, playground
Greg Rich wore a lot of hats over the years in Wayland. City Clerk Beverly Conrad highlighted these roles by displaying T-shirts that had been printed for many of the activities.
The last T-shirt was a bright orange shirt for the West Park Wetlands project. It was a project Rich did not live to see to completion.
Mayor Greg Rich died unexpectedly in September.
Saturday a ribbon-cutting was held to mark the completion of the half-mile walking patch around West Park. The walking path was the last piece of the project, which included playground equipment that was installed a year ago and a splash pad and new restrooms that opened last August.
Orange T-shirts commemorating the park were abundant at the ceremony Saturday. Conrad presented one to Rich’s mother, Mildred, who then cut the ribbon to officially open the walking path.
Conrad talked about Greg Rich’s dedication.
“He was mayor, classmate and all around good guy,” Conrad said. “He was totally committed to this project. He wanted to create a place where families, fun and social events could take place for everyone.”
The family had its own contribution to the park a flag and pole with a stone highlighting Greg’s contributions to the city. A flag was raised on the pole during the ceremony.
Mildred Rich cuts the ribbon on the half-mile walking path at the Wayland West Park Wetlands grand opening Saturday. The Fourth of July festivities, including the ribbon-cutting, were dedicated to the memory of her son, Mayor Greg Rich, who died in September. (Jim Johnson/The Union)
Four-year-old Scarlett Cribbs runs through the water at Wayland's new splash pad at West Park. A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the completion of the West Park Wetlands project. (Jim Johnson/The Union)
