OULU PIONEER MEMORIAL PARK NEEDS US!

In the 1970’s, our Oulu Community came together to plan and develop a facility where those of all ages could relax and enjoy the outdoors.  There are many fond memories, current and over the years, of youth baseball teams; gatherings for birthdays, graduations, reunions; Oulu Mud Runs, Abby’s Runs, run/walks; families getting together on a beautiful afternoon to have a picnic, play ball, and let the young’uns play on the playground.  This all came about with a cost-sharing federal grant and the dedicated, hardworking efforts of this community.

Sadly, the last fifty years have left the Oulu Pioneer Memorial Park in need of updating.  The majority of playground equipment has been removed because of deterioration and safety concerns.  The bathroom facilities were condemned and removed.  The basketball court, covered picnic tables, lower field and basically all aspects of our park need to be evaluated.

And that leads to the purpose of this letter.  Once again, our Oulu community has a choice to make.  We are asking for input on what direction the Town should go with our park. 

There appears to be two options –

#1.  The Town Board continues as is with routine maintenance of pavilion, upper ballfield, swings, existing structures and the walking trail.  Board is still evaluating the cost of replacing the bathroom facilities.

#2.  Community members organize and work together to bring the Oulu Pioneer Memorial Park up to standards that we can all be proud of.  This option is going to require a commitment from MANY individuals to help in whatever way they best can.  A group is needed to develop a plan and playground needs.  A group is needed to research grants that may be available and then prepare those applications.  Other groups will be needed to organize fund raising options.  There is also the hands-on group to actually help with the physical work of this project.

We’re asking each of you to give thought to what you see the future of Oulu Pioneer Memorial Park looking like – the basic maintenance of facility or a renewed, updated family park.

Our hope is to determine the path forward in the next few months.  To do that, we must first hear from each of you.  There will be a meeting at the Oulu Pioneer Memorial Park on Wednesday,

June 4th, at 6:30pm for those interested to discuss the path forward.  For those that cannot attend, please advise your opinion of the two options by emailing ouluparkprojects@gmail.com.

Please note – If there is not adequate interest and commitment to working on the project, we will not be able to consider #2.  This is an all hands on deck project requiring each of us to help carry the load.  At this time, there are donated funds of $7860 to be applied to park projects.