South Renovo Park Dedicated to Ernest Peterson Saturday
SOUTH RENOVO- For many decades prior to his passing, Ernest Peterson of South Renovo oversaw nearly every aspect of the South Renovo borough from his secretary position. Council members and even mayors have served their time and moved on, with the constant, Ernie Peterson available with years of knowledge of all things South Renovo.
On Saturday morning South Renovo made sure that “Pete” Peterson’s name would remain in the borough as Mayor Matt Carter and council officially renamed their park to “The South Renovo Memorial Park- in memory of Ernest Peterson”.
“No matter what I ever asked of him, Ernie was there to help me, he knew and did so much for South Renovo and the park that I just wanted his legacy to live on” Mayor Carter said of the decision. Carter said that he merely pitched the idea to council one night and the plans were instantly in place.
“Everyone over here (in South Renovo) knows and saw what Ernie did for us for years, council agreed immediately” Carter explained.
The South Renovo Park is a staple of the community and a constant gathering place for kids throughout the summer. In addition to hosting a summer arts and crafts program every year, it’s commonplace to ride by and see people holding birthday parties under the pavilion, playing in the fenced area on the equipment or playing basketball on the courts.
All of those activities will now take place underneath a sign dedicated to Ernest Peterson, making sure that future generations are made aware of just how fortunate they were to have had someone so dedicated to their borough.
Peterson served in the US Navy Reserves where he reached Master Sergeant and was drafted in the Army during the Korean War rising to Corporal. At the sign unveiling were his widow Betty, three daughters, one son in law and three of his grandchildren. The South Renovo man passed away at 94 in August of 2022.
