8.1. PRSR 06-11-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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05-08-'14 08:45 FROM- T-216 P0002/0002 F-639 May 7,2014 Michael Hecker,Director Parks&Recreation Department 13065 Orono Parkway Elk River,MN 55330 Dear Mr.Hecker, On behalf of the Elk River Lions Club,I am requesting that the Parks&Recreation Commission consider renaming Lions Park to Lion John Weicht Memorial Park. John Weicht was born and raised in Elk River and spent his entire lifetime working as a general contractor and volunteering in our community for the betterment of those around him. John became a member of the Elk River Lions Club in the early 1980's and served on the Board of Directors,as President,treasurer and on the original Gambling Board.Additionally he served as acting director of the Lions' International Youth Camp. Lion's Park Center was built by Lion John.The cost for construction and supplies were kept to a minimum due to John's negotiating with friends and businesses to get materials and services either reduced or donated and by donating much of his services. For his years of leadership and service to the Elk River Lions he was twice awarded the"Lion of the Year"Award,the prestigious"Melvin Jones Fellowship"Award and the Club's "Distinguished Leadership Award". Additionally,John received many other awards including the Three Rivers Community Foundation's Hall of Fame Leadership Award,Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award,and Elk River Volunteer of the Month. Sadly,we lost John on May 13,2012 at the young age of 64 due to cancer. Due to Lion John's years of dedicated service and volunteerism to the community of Elk River and the Elk River Lions,we feel strongly that Lions Park should be renamed to Lion John Weicht Memorial Park in his memory. We thank you for considering this request and are optimist that this name change can occur creating a living memorial to a wonderful humanitarian,Lion John Weicht. Sincerely Lion Deb Weston President,Elk River Lions