Veterans Park groundbreaking: a day to give thanks

By John Lipez

LOCK HAVEN, PA – Lock Haven Veteran Dave Harger’s dream is one step closer to reality. Harger is the head of the Committee to Renew Veterans Park across from the courthouse in Lock Haven and Monday afternoon he presided over an informal groundbreaking, one that featured many thanks for those moving the park renewal project into its next phase.

Harger announced that employees from Harger Utilities Inc. next week will provide in kind services to begin the task of removing the existing monuments (and relocating those in condition to be moved elsewhere) in preparation for construction of the renovated park.

Meanwhile, Harger said, completion of the new park elements continues with the anticipation that there will be a formal dedication on a significant date to veterans at some point next year; best case scenario, he said, would be Memorial Day 2023, but it is too soon to set a specific date.

The project got another major financial boost on Monday. Bill Bechdel from Beech Creek Bitner-Bechdel American Legion Post 623 presented the project committee a check for $20,000, the second of a five-year commitment for $100,000 towards renovation costs. Harger said the restoration carries a $500,000 price tag and so far some $250,000 has been raised; he noted additional funding toward the project cost will stem from in-kind services. Those who wish to donate may do so through Harger Utility Charities.

Harger said the park restoration project was first prosed five years ago from new Clinton County business Terrapin and noted COVID caused a delay in the process but is excited now to see the project through. He said noted Gettysburg sculptor Gary Casteel now has a clay representation of the soldier to be part of new soldier statue and he and fellow committee member/artist Steve Getz are anxious to see the Casteel work. That rendering is to “transcend time,” the look of a soldier from the Revolutionary War to modern times.

Harger, in his opening remarks, noted the many community members and organizations which have provided assistance to the project:

Terrapin
Jim & Carol Hanna
VFW post 1630
Mark the Shark WSQV 92.1
Rose Ann McNerney in Memory of David Collins
Jim and Judy Lovette
Ron Pete
Robert Johnson
Mike Haffley
Brigandi, Gleghorn & Haffley
Bo & Jennifer Hagaman
Lock Haven Kiwanis
Lock Haven Moose
Grant & Jeanne Miller
Loretta and Robert Coltrane
Northwest Savings Bank
Sons Of Italy
Carl & Linda Litz
Collins/Toboz bridge to bridge Run
Bitner Bechdel American Legion Post 623 Beech Creek