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Nature Lodge at Sunset Park to be Dedicated April 18
THE NEW SUNSET PARK NATURE LODGE overlooks the Missouri River. The new lodge will be dedicated on Saturday, April 18 at 1:30 p.m. and open for public tours from 2-4 p.m. STORY AND PHOTO BY CAROL ARNETT
It took 19 months, hundreds of volunteers, and over a million dollars of donated labor and supplies, but the Sunset Park Nature Lodge will officially open this Saturday (April 18). The effort to complete the lodge was spearheaded by the Florissant Park Board, a non-profit group formed to raise money for park improvements.
Mark Behlmann is president of the Florissant Park Board. “This was a labor of love by everyone involved,” Behlmann said. “It all happened because of volunteer effort.”
A master plan for Sunset Park was developed 27 years ago. City Parks Director Ron Veach brought it to the mayor and city council’s attention. The Florissant Park Board was formed as a non-profit group separate from the city.
“The city of Florissant could not have done it on its own without paying for it,” Behlmann said. The park board was able to solicit donations of cash, material and labor. The site was certified as an apprentice training site for several unions. Apprentices worked there under the supervision of journeymen.
“I really enjoyed the camaraderie of local people and their involvement in community development,” Behlmann said.
As for the finished lodge, Behlmann said the volunteers could be proud of their work. He said he is especially fond of the view from the building. “There is nothing like it on the Missouri River in St. Louis County,” he said. “You can sit and relax on the deck and get a great river view.”
“As it becomes more and more known,” Behlmann said, “the view will draw people.”
Now that the lodge is complete, the board will move on to the next park improvement. “We will continue to be the vehicle to go forward with the next set of improvements,” Behlmann said. He added that it is still uncertain what thoise improvements will be.
The grand opening will be held this Saturday, April 18. There will be a dedication at 1:30 pm, followed by an open house from 2-4. For more information, see the Florissant Park Board website at http://floparksfoundation.com.
