At a meeting two weeks ago the committee, of which I am a member, decided to embark on a fund raiser to raise the money needed to build a new pavilion. The cost of the new pavilion is estimated to be $80,000. So far, $9,000 has been raised through private donations. The city of Minonk is contributing $32,000 and an additional $5000 is promised by our state representative if the pavilion is built. This means that $34,000 must be raised from our fund drive in order to complete the structure.

There are numerous reasons why there is a need to build a pavilion in the Westside Park. The original bandstand was a memorial built for World War I veterans by the women of Minonk in 1922. The pavilion will become the new memorial for those veterans. It is our duty to preserve the memory of those who fought for our country.

There is a need for a place to host social gatherings such as picnics and reunions in our park. Years ago the Westside Park hosted the annual Fourth of July festivities. Stage shows and other festivities centered around the old bandstand. Also, band concerts were held each summer in the bandstand. Summer reacreation programs were held in the park. Many of us have fond memories of the park and of the old bandstand.

A pavilion is needed to provide adequate toilet facilities for the park. There were restrooms underneath the old bandstand. Since its demolition the park has the unsightly port-o-johnnies. A city of our size certainly deserves better restroom facilities in our best park.

The demolition of the old bandstand left a gap in the middle of the park. A pavilion will improve the appearance of the park and will become the focal point of the park. In addition, the proposed pavilion will have kitchen facilities which will make picnics and reunions more convient.

The adhoc Westside Park pavilion committee is headed up by Alderman Dean Barth. Besides myself, other members and volunteers on the committee are Clara Fewell, Jeri Sue Johnson, Betty Land, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Barth, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Matter, Melvin Matter, Mary Ford, Virgil Folkerts, Edmona Lohr, and Shirley Barth.

Next week Minonk area residents will be receiving a brochure asking for a donation to the Westside Park pavilion fund. I urge both current residents and former residents of Minonk to contribute to this worthy cause. This is a chance for you to make a significant contribution to the community. The pavilion will be a physical reminder of your contribution.

For those who live out of town, you can make your tax deductable donation by clicking here to go to the donation web page. All donors will be listed on this website. In addition, those who donate $500 or more will be recognized on a plaque mounted in the interior wall of the pavilion.

Other communities have proper shelters for outdoor social functions. Minonk should have one as well. Even though Minonk has other parks such as Veterans Park and the newly designated Suttons Park near the old Sutton Gardens, the Westside Park is still the premier park in Minonk with its mature shade trees, basketball courts and playground equipment. It is the only park that most Minonk residents can remember.

It is my firm belief that Minonk is on the threshhold of a new growth not only physically but also spiritually. Most of us have fond memories of Minonk from years ago. The popularity of the history section of this website attests to that fact. Your contribution to help build a pavilion in the Westside Park can be a symbolic rebirth of the Minonk that we all remember and that we want to see again. A new pavilion with your dollars will be the affirmation of a new spirit in our community.