The family of the late Rosalie Brauks recently donated some park board files she had collected over the years.

Brauks was an original and long-serving member of the Gerald Park Board. Serving with Brauks on the original board were Eldo Mesger, Ruth Schmidt, Rev.Roy Hicks, Doris Stewart, Marge Altemeyer, Calvin Charboneau, Elmer Haase and Lt. Col. Charles Detert. Advisory members were Lou Volmer, Larry Gebhart and Sylvia Davault.

The file contained the photo above clipped from a copy of the Gerald Star that appears to have been published sometime in the first half of 1974. The photo was taken after Wilson Construction Company had completed construction of the lake’s dam.

The photo’s caption noted that several residents had already driven vehicles across the dam.

The arrow labeled 1 shows the roadway across the dam heading west. The number 2 arrow indicates the main park entrance. Arrow number 3 marks ongoing construction of a parking area.

Also found in the files were plans for a boat ramp on the northeastern corner of the lake. Nothing was found to explain why the ramp was never built.

Another clipping in the files, this one dated July 11, 1973, announced approval of a federal grant. The Bureau of Outdoor Recreation Department of Interior had approved a $19,1259 grant for the City of Gerald for the accession of 75.6 acres of land for developing roadways, trails and a seven-acre lake for Gerald City Park. This was one half of the first application for $38,250 submitted before the assessed valuation of the park land and a second application made for a $52,000 matching funds grant.

The comprehensive plan included: a roughly 7-acre lake; a family picnic area near entrance with playground, shelter and barbeque pits; family riding circle; roadway to softball diamonds, tennis court and family riding circle; two softball diamonds; three parking area — one will serve family picnic area, one will serve softball diamonds and tennis court, one will serve family riding circle; concession stand; three rest rooms; tennis court and group camping area.

The persistence and hard work of the original Park Board created City Park, which 52 years later is a source of community pride. City leaders and community supporters are determined to not just maintain the park, but to keep making improvements. The heavy use of the park proves it is worth the effort.