|
Funds being raised for Lanterman Park pavilion improvements  Share
The Lanterman Park District has made several improvements to its park in Bridgeport. Help is needed, however, for renovations to continue. One concerned citizen who is making efforts to raise funds for improvements to the pavilion, Brad Purcell, is seeking donations. Those proposed improvements have been estimated as follows: heating and air-conditioning ($17,000), restroom remodeling ($3,000), kitchen improvements ($2,000) and new tables and chairs ($1,500). ''I believe these improvements are important to the community of Bridgeport, and would help to give it a very usable, large facility for county and local gatherings and activities,'' Purcell said. Presently, some of the pavilion uses are: the Bridgeport Summerfest, Halloween Festivities, Ministerial Alliance Christmas programs, garage sales and various Cub Scout activities. It is also an ideal site for wedding receptions, family reunions, political gatherings or any type of large gathering. Some improvements that have already been made include a new roof which was installed in 2008, three new sets of double exterior doors, new windows taken from the old Bridgeport High School and installed in 2007, and remodeling of the two exterior restrooms. The building is a 40' x 120' structure with an open floor space of 40' x 80.' In addition to the two outside restrooms, it has an old shower room inside which could easily be converted into a restroom for interior access.
In 1908, the commissioners of the park voted to build a building not to exceed $800. This was the first pavilion. About 1924-25, this building was doubled in capacity and continued in use until the present pavilion was built in 1937. The park got its name from the ''Lanterman Grove'' which was owned by heirs of David Lanterman. The grove was used for public purposes long before it was developed into a park. There were G.A.R. reunions, Modern Woodmen picnics, Sunday School picnics, Fourth of July, political gatherings and more. In the day of the horse and buggy, a little merry-go-round turned by a horse and later, by a little upright steam engine, accompanied the celebrations. According to Purcell, the Lanterman Park District has no means of income and relies on donations and volunteer labor to make repairs or improvements. For more information, call 812-881-9289 or 945-5601.Any donations for future improvements can be sent and made payable to: Lanterman Park District c/o Brad Purcell, 804 East State St., Bridgeport, Ill. 62417. Barbara E. Allender is editor of the Bridgeport Leader.
|
This Week's Front Page »
Related Stories »
|
