Denise Rockenstein — Staff writer
CLEARLAKE OAKS — Clearlake Oaks” most beautiful amenity was officially opened and dedicated on Saturday, May 31. The dedication of Nylander County Park celebrated the commitment of community, the tenacity of the residents and the generosity of several individuals and organizations.
“About eight months ago this was a dirt lot,” said Kim Clymire, public services director for the County of Lake. “It”s hard to believe in this short time all this has happened.”
Clymire opened the ceremony by extending gratitude to the many that had helped make Nylander Park a reality, including the Lake County Board of Supervisors, which provided funding and support for the project. He also commended Public Services staff and California Conservation crews who worked diligently to build the park according to the needs and desires of the community. “Those are the guys who were on their hands and knees, digging trenches, laying sod and putting in lights,” he said, calling for a round of applause.
Describing the project as truly being a community effort, Clymire lauded $15,000 in contributions from the community at-large. He said the Clearlake Oaks/Glenhaven Business Association contributed substantially to funding the project as well. He also thanked all who came together to design the park and all who had physically contributed to its completion.
“A lot of you folks had a hand in getting the design done,” Clymire said. “This truly is a grassroots community project.” Second District Supervisor Jeff Smith also commended the efforts of many. “If it wasn”t for Kim”s crew, Kim and the community (the park) wouldn”t be here,” Smith said. “What an addition to the community!”
Third District Supervisor Denise Rushing, who represents the Clearlake Oaks area, offered a single word to begin her speech. “I have one word,” she said. “Wow! And I”ve heard that many times today.”
Rushing continued saying that “heart” comes to mind in how the project happened. She thanked the Nylander family for its generosity and all the members of the community from the business association, to the church, to the senior center. “This is one of the nicer parks in Lake County,” she concluded.
Lake County Administrator Kelly Cox was also on hand to join in the celebration. “What”s really happened here is beyond my wildest dreams,” Cox said, adding, “I know this is the nicest park in Lake County.”
Cox extended undying gratitude to Gary and Jerry Nylander. He said that the county began working toward purchasing the property from the Nylanders several years ago. Since then, he said, property values have increased; however, he was extremely thankful for the Nylanders who honored the low price they had originally agreed on when the transaction began.
The family of the hour was also on hand for the dedication held in its honor. Gary Nylander introduced several members of his family including aunts, uncles, cousins, his daughter Jody and his wife Jerry. Mr. Nylander took the podium and which an ear-to-ear grin he humorously said, “Welcome to my park!” Nylander added, “For those of you who don”t know me, I”m Jody”s dad!”
Nylander said the park could have been named in honor of several local residents all who have contributed extensively to the community. “This is a great honor and we thank you very much.”
Nylander shared a bit of family history with the crowd. His family has been serving as the town”s grocer for the past 75 years. He said Red & White Market once served as the town”s post office and fire station.
All kidding aside, he concluded that Nylander Park belongs to every member of the community. He asked the crowd to turn to the person next to them and say: “Welcome to my park!” Improvements at Nylander Park include playground equipment, sidewalks, 40,000 square feet of lawn area, benches, tables, barbecues, trash cans, bike rack and approximately 40 trees, 15 to 20 feet tall, including fruitless flowering plums and pear trees, Valley and Red Oaks, Gingkos, Magnolias, Chinese Pistache, Maples, Crape Myrtles and Raywood Ash, plus annual and perennial plants and shrubs.
In addition, the county has purchased the building adjacent to the park and plans to turn it into a restroom and visitor information center. A bid for the perimeter sidewalk, curb, gutter and parking lot are expected to be released soon.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockestein@clearlakeobserver.com.
