Tim Ponzer Park project

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Here is the latest and greatest from Parks and Recreation as of June 30, 2009. The City of Rolla Public Works Department has contracted with Maggi  Construction Company on extending a new trail thru Ponzer Park. The State of Missouri must sign off on this project and bid award. It is anticipated that construction and authorization will begin around August 1, 2009. Until construction with concrete trucks, backhoes, etc, is complete, no trees or benches will placed along or near where this work is taking place. The new planting cycle for ACORN trees will not occur till late November or December of 2009. At that time, Park staff will re-evaluate where construction is in Ponzer Park, and then plant and install memorial trees and benches according to the new trail as built. The plaques are done by ACORN and are of a standardized nature and are produced locally as fast as ACORN needs them. At the last ACORN meeting, the class of 1988 memorials, along with several other memorials that are to be placed along this segment of the trail, were discussed and noted.

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Near the intersection of Highways 72 and O is an 8.4 acre area called Tim Ponzer Park. The land was donated to the city by Tim's family, and is scheduled to be developed with an extended path and equipment by 2008. This picture was taken near the entrance to the parking lot off of Hwy. O:

The following is from Rolla's Parks and Rec Director, Ken Kwantes:

"A trail will start in this park and follow the Dieble Creek Branch west towards Lions Club Park (similar to the existing Carter Creek Trail from Highway O to Green Acres Park). Final plans call for both trails to link and provide pedestrian loop through this southern section of the city. Plans also call for a vehicle parking area, a playground and some open flat play fields for Ponzer Park."

Bennish Construction has also offered to volunteer labor and an amount of materials toward this project.

If you are interested in making a donation, please send a check made out to ACORN to Beth Dare at 1550 Atlantic Crossing Drive, Fenton, MO 63026.

Whatever we put in will include an engraved plaque dedicating it from our class to our deceased classmates.

Please e-mail me with any thoughts or suggestions, and check back for updates.