Air Force to the rescue; city park to benefit

TO THE EDITOR:

For the past 3 years, many people have been asking us when the development of the Ryan DeSanctis Park would be getting started.

We have attended Park Board meetings and talked with Interim City Planner Tony Steiner to try to get things going. The problem has been that funding for park projects in Wisconsin is based on a point system. The more assets you can show to the DNR for development purposes, the better your chances are of getting development grants.

Pete, Ryan's father, has worked as a full-time reservist for the 934th Air Lift Wing in Minneapolis for the past 12-plus years and has worked very hard to help find a solution to this problem.

He has written letters to Base Commander Col. Richard Moss, met with Logistics Group Commander Major Cam LeBlanc, Support Group Commander Lt. Col. Paul Groskreutz and 934th Civil Engineering Commander Lt. Col. Randall Hoscheid, asking for ideas and ways in which the Air Force Reserves could help. Each year, the 934th Air Lift Wing takes on a project for training and community service purposes.

Last February, 934th Air Force Officials along with Tony Steiner, Peter, Susan and Ryan met at the site of the park to discuss what would be needed to complete the task of excavating the land. After much discussion of equipment, time lines, and other supplies needed, all agreed that it would be a worthwhile effort to pursue the matter further.

After a day of talks, the 934th Air Lift Wing approved taking on the project. This project would have cost the city of River Falls over $100,000 through a contractor. The 934th will be doing the work at no cost other than food, lodging, etc. The city will provide much of the equipment and materials needed.

For all of you who have asked when the park would be started, the time is now. Reservists came out and surveyed the land last weekend. In the months of July and August, they will do the actual excavating during their UTA weekends.

We are grateful for the 934th Air Lift Wing taking time out of its global mission to help our community here in River Falls. I would like to organize meals and refreshments while they are working in our fine city.

If anyone is interested in helping or donating food, beverages, or supplies, please call me at 425-7105. It would be greatly appreciated.

Peter and Susan DeSanctis

city of River Falls