Marengo doesn’t say ‘we can’t’

Those in attendance at the ribbon-cutting for the new Marengo Aquatic Center May 31 heard from several of our community leaders who spoke to the generosity and passion the local citizens, former residents, and area folks have shown over the past twenty years.

We were reminded that in Marengo one does not say “We can’t” but rather “We will try.”

Too many of us recall the turmoil in the 70s and 80s when the closure of our Marengo Memorial Hospital seemed eminent. Determined to retain that facility, the residents of the area rose to the occasion.

Remember the Save Our Hospital campaign? Well, we did it, and look at the facility we now have to service Eastern Iowa. And it is still growing.

Next came the drive to make our public; library more user-friendly and expand the building. It now offers so many services to our community.

Then the city park needed renovations in play equipment and restoration of the “landmark” fountain. That occurred. and we celebrated once more.

Activities at the American Legion Hall required more space, and the cost of renovation seemed unreasonable. Hence we now have a larger building with many more opportunities for its use and another source of pride.

Our school buildings needed renovation and upgrading, and that is in progress as this is being written.

Finally, we have provided safety and pleasure for our young folks in the form of a new aquatic center. The response has been amazing and Marengo has every reason to be proud of its accomplishments over this span of 20 years.

Thanks to all who contributed dollars to these various efforts! Thanks to the foresight of our City Council in moving forward and planning ahead. Thanks to those who gave countless hours of time and effort in making any of these dreams become reality.

Forever grateful to Lou McMeen for his council, advice, and dedication to so many of these projects.

We all need to be reminded though that this does not end our work and planning, for all of these entities require maintenance and oversight. Let’s continue to support these causes so that they will last for years — long after many of us are gone.

This is Marengo, and We can!

Marilyn Rodgers, Marengo