Moniteau County park dedicated for Memorial Day; organizers still raising funds to complete park

CALIFORNIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

In Moniteau County, a California park was dedicated Monday in honor of Memorial Day, but builders are still looking for funds to complete the park's playground.

California Progress, Inc. held a dedication for Latham Memorial Family Park at 107 E South St. A crowd gathered Monday afternoon to support the park and honor the community's veterans.

Jeff Korte, CPI president, and other board members cut the ribbon to the new park. The CPI board thanked all the individuals and businesses who helped fund the construction.

The park is part of CPI's vision to preserve the town's history, according to the organization's website. The project has been in the works since 2019 when CPI put down $10,000 toward the park. Organizers went on the raise the other $85,000 needed to buy the property.

The park includes a gazebo for events, a playground and a veterans' memorial wall with over 3,000 names of Moniteau County veterans. Many groups were present, including Whiteman Air Force Base Color Guard, members of VFW Moniteau County Memorial Post #4345, members of California Masonic Lodge #183, members of the California Outreach for Heroes group, and members of the Moniteau County 4H and the community band and choir.

Fundraising is still underway to complete the playground. Those interested in donating can find more information on CPI's website.