Seven-and-a-half months ago TBK Bank, 211 W. Main Street, Morrison, IL, awarded a generous donation of $500 to the future Morrison Bark Park. Pictured left-to-right were members of the “On the Move with Parks and Recreation” committee and TBK Bank staff: Nick Volckmann (OTM); Bob Smith (TBK); Kathy Schmidt (OTM); Angela Reamer (TBK); Ashley Harris, Jenn Willis, and Maggie Jones (TBK Bank.)
Six months ago, Farmers National Bank, Morrison, also donated $500 to the Bark Park. Pictured left-to-right were Doug Vanderlaan (FNB); Jim Strating (OTM); Nick Volckmann (FNB and Board Member of OTM); Ashley Bruins, Angie Erickson, and Bart Ottens from Farmers National Bank.
Other financial institutions who donated include Advantage One Credit Union; Citizens First Bank in Clinton, IA; Community State Bank; 1st Gateway Credit Union.
A shared vision by financial institutions and On the Move with Parks and Recreation members merged, on Monday, October 18, 2021. The first step was taken by the City to construct Morrison Bark Park. Grove Hill Cemetery Sexton John Schleuning leveled the former Morrison High School pitcher’s mound and filled in depressions on the old baseball field. Logan Contractors excavated near the “arrow” entrance pad, which will lead owners and canines into the fenced enclosures. Logan also donated reinforcing steel rebar and use of a generator. Base rock was piled nearby to form a foundation for the entrance area. Kathy Schmidt submitted a video: https://fb.watch/8Njebvuxvj/.
Karla Burn wrote, “Jim Strating from On the Move with Parks and Recreation was present for it all, cleaning up the fence line, planting grass seed, assisting, and answering questions as needed.”
On Thursday, October 21, early in the day, string lines showed demarcation of the entrance with its compacted rock base. Later, wood framing outlined the concrete walkways, and rebar was installed to support concrete. Josh Gowan, of Morrison, has owned Gowan Concrete for 1.5 years. He is shown, at left, with Laborer Nate Hill. “I hope to [pour tomorrow,]” Gowan stated, “if not, it might be Saturday morning.” Gowan Concrete will not install brick pavers.
Friday, October 22, brought forth a major transformation! Left-to-right, Hill, Gowan, and On the Move with Parks and Rec member Jim Strating await the concrete truck. Thirteen yards of locally-sourced, Quality Ready Mix concrete were poured into the two-by-four framework. Gowan, Hill, and an unidentified man spread the concrete to fill the wooden frames. Then they used a long-handled float, to smooth the surface and remove marks left by the edging. After noon they smoothed the edges. Gowan stated the final step that day would be to “broom the concrete,” drawing a stiff-bristled broom across the surfaces. This leaves a slightly roughened surface which is less slippery. “It will set up [today], and you could probably walk on it Saturday.”
Rock topped by sand will fill the open area, making a good base for red, engraved pavers. Honor a treasured dog by purchasing a brick.
What happens in the second week of construction? Two bids are out for fencing. Strating said, “The fence people are coming Tuesday[, October 26,] to remeasure.” Lengths of estimated fencing vary from 1300-to-1600 feet, between the two bids. Installation timing is pending at this time. Burn stated, “On the Move is hoping to be able to raise the fence this fall. However, that will depend on the fencing companies[‘ bids] and weather.”
Dog lovers, businesses, organizations, and community-minded citizens who wish to support Morrison Bark Park’s endeavor may donate in any amount. Mail or drop a donation at TBK Bank, 211 W. Main Street, Morrison IL 61270. Please make sure to note on the check and/or envelope “Dog Park.” You may also donate on the Morrison Lions Foundation, NFP Facebook page. There also is a link on the On the Move with Parks and Rec Facebook page. Anyone donating $500 or more will have their name on a plaque at the Bark Park.
Contact committee members Karla Burn, 815-535-6591, or Kathy Schmidt, 815-564-8772.