County of arch: Barry County
Location of arch: MO -76/112, next to American Legion Post #118, Cassville
"The local American Legion Memorial Park was the recipient of some TLC over the weekend thanks to the Lowe’s Heroes program. Volunteers worked tirelessly on Saturday to make repairs to the pavilion and general maintenance of the playground and fences.
"American Legion Post 118 is located on MO-112 and has a building as well as grounds that include the Memorial Park. In recent years, the park’s maintenance has suffered due to funding constraints. Since being selected by Lowe’s Heroes for help, it puts the Legion grounds in a much better place in terms of upkeep.
"Post Commander Michele Hovland, PC COL (Ret) US Army, said, “It’s a huge help to be selected for the Heroes program. They fixed the wall inside the pavilion. They took down the rickety slide that was a huge liability and replaced the kids’ swings as well as painted the whole set.”
"Members of the legion, volunteers from Lowes’ Heroes, local Cub Scouts church members and a local chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America showed up Saturday to help with the project.
"Hovland added, “They painted all of the fences. They also cut back all of the trees all around the park and carried all the brush off for us. They got us new trash cans and new lights for the gate entrance.”
"The rehab of the park came after there were complaints of the grounds not being maintained properly. One of the vocal proponents of the need for aid with the project was one of the members of the Vietnam Veterans of America from Barry County, Alvin Gabel. Prior to the project, Gabel had called for better maintenance of the park after his chapter took over the flower garden in the center of the park. He said, “We took over the flower garden two years ago because it had tall weeds. So we talked to the Post and told them we would do it and they gave us permission, but there needs to be more done.”
"Saturday’s work day was an answer to that call Gabel made weeks ago. He said, “We need to come together to maintain it year-round.”
"He also added, “We don’t need a memorial for our county’s veterans in Branson, we need to start it here at home.”
Hovland said that she hopes the Legion will be able to start new events that will help raise money for the Legion. Financial constraints have been an issue in recent years. Hovland hopes to have a tree adoption program with Christmas trees this winter. She said, “We’ll have more details as it gets closer, but I’m hoping people will walk through and vote for their favorite tree for a dollar.” With the park rejuvenated and upcoming projects, the Legion hopes to be able to contribute to more charitable endeavors in the community." ~ Barry County Advertiser, by Charlea Estes, September 20, 2017