On Wednesday, the Kewanee Park District unveiled its new 19th Hole pavilion at an open house and meet and greet. Attending were park commissioners and the Executive Director of the park district Andrew Dwyer.
The open house was well attended as residents showed up to see the new outdoor space, located behind the Baker Park restaurant and overlooking the golf course. Dwyer said the goal of the park board was to build an outdoor environment that could serve as space for banquets, golf tournaments and other local events.
“We wanted a place where people could come hang out and have dinner,” he said.
The pavilion replaces an older structure that was damaged in an April tornado two years ago. The roof is also installed with solar panels.
Already several groups including the Galva Masons and the high school have used the pavilion, but Dwyer sees its uses expanded to include hosting reunions and private events, although they are still finalizing space rental details.
“We are just trying to get our feet wet and see how the space is going to be used,” he said.
The space isn’t quite finished, Dwyer said, as plants and grasses will be added around the pavilion and a wall that would block the wind and act as a barrier could still be built.
The open house also acted as a “meet and greet” for board commissioners to speak to guests. An official ribbon cutting was held before three commissioners addressed the crowd.
Board President Paula Kapacinskas spoke about the history of Kewanee parks, and referenced a book by Kewanee Voice columnist and historian Dean Karau. With the help of a donation from E.E. Baker, the president of Kewanee Boiler, the parks have grown to include Windmont, Chautauqua, Liberty, Baker and Northeast. All of those parks are administered by the district.
Kapacinskas also noted that this year marks 105 years for Kewanee parks.
“We have something very wonderful to be proud of,” she said.
Commissioner Steve Brackett also discussed how the park district is self-governing and not part of the city government. Brackett said the independence has enabled the district to grow.
Board Vice-President Nichelle Morey addressed the crowd and thanked attendees for coming. She also spoke about the special meaning the parks held for her.
“Growing up, the Kewanee parks is where I spent my childhood,” she said, recalling her times at Liberty pool and Northeast Park. “Kewanee has the best parks and I really, truly love it.”
