Photo: Front row: Matt Lujano & Sandy Hunter, both from WEDO, Sue Cosner from IADG & Wes Treadway with WIN. Back row: Jary Quandt, Alan Kock & Bert Healy, all from WEDO. Alan is the brother of Eugene Kock who the park is named after.
In early July, the Westside Economic Development Organization (WE DO) was awarded a $300 grant from Western Iowa Networks and Aueron to be used for the construction of a park along Highway 30. The park will be a memorial to veterans, including Eugene Kock, a Westside resident who lost his life in the Vietnam War. This morning (Tuesday), members of WE DO gathered at the park site to accept another grant, this time a $500 Ripple Effect planning grant from Aureon that has been matched by Western Iowa Networks for a total of $1,000. The grant proceeds will be used for the engineering services provided by JEO Consulting Group. Chuck Diesbeck, CEO of Western Iowa Networks, says they are pleased to partner with Aureon in the support of this very important facility for the community of Westside. The park will feature a retaining wall on the south side and a monument in the center of a circular walkway comprised of engraved memorial pavers. There will also be benches, flagpoles and a gazebo near sitting and parking areas. WE DO has set a goal of having the majority of the park completed before the end of this construction season.
