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Sunset Park Nature Lodge Opens With A Few Surprises
Mark Behlmann presents a key to the nature lodge to Mayor Robert Lowery, Sr.
Text and photo By Bob Lindsey
What started out as a dream of Mayor Robert Lowery almost 30 years ago became a reality on April 18 with the grand opening of the nature lodge at Sunset Park.
In a surprise announcement during the grand opening program, Lowery said the new lodge will be known as the Mark Behlmann and Don Zykan Nature Lodge. The two long-time civic leaders spearheaded the non-profit Florissant Park Foundation work on building the lodge, which was completed in 19 months.
In another surprise announcement, Behlmann gave a giant key to the mayor acknowledging Lowery’s vision and work to get the lodge built.
Mayor Robert Lowery and members of the Florissant Park Foundation cut the ribbon in front of the new Mark Behlmann and Donald Zykan Nature Lodge at Sunset Park.
Lowery told the 500 or more people who gathered at the opening that he got the idea after discovering an old master plan for Sunset Park nearly 30 years ago in the basement of the old city hall when he was chief of detectives.
Lowery took the idea to Ron Veach and they initiated the Florissant Park Foundation asking Mark Behlmann and others to get the project going. Behlmann, Councilman Tim Lee, Don Zykan Jr., and Diana Weidinger of the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce are the officers of the Florissant Park Foundation. All were present at the ribbon cutting along with the other Florissant Parks Foundation members.
“We made a few calls to area business leaders and local building and trade unions and we knew we could get the job done,” Lowery said at the opening. Area labor union members did most of the work at no charge with local businesses contributing and raising millions of dollars. No city money was used for the project. Behlmann stressed that the lodge was built because of volunteer work. Some of the labor unions used the site for an apprentice training program working under the supervision of journeymen.
Proclamations were read from the state house, state senate and county council commending the efforts and the new lodge. The facility will be available soon for banquets, meetings, wedding receptions and parties.
“We’ve already had several inquiries,” the mayor said. The view of the Missouri River is expected to a big draw for the lodge. The nature lodge will be on the Florissant House Tour set for Sunday, May 17. (watch for future details)
Special recognition was give to the family of Joseph Desloge who donated 25-acres of the prime land overlooking the Missouri River for Sunset Park. Mr. Desloge had died just a few weeks ago.
