Christmas Comes Early

By ROSEBUD PARKS + RECREATION

His name isn’t Santa Claus, but some agree he could sport a bright red suit.

He doesn’t drive a sleigh with eight tiny reindeer, but he can operate a crane and lead a crew of 11 volunteers.

He won’t be found on a roof top this Christmas Eve with a sack full of gifts. That’s because this year, Christmas came early in American Legion Park, when one local volunteer stepped up and delivered in a big way.

Thanks for the heart of local resident, John Proctor, two pieces of history have been preserved and Phase 1 improvements are not delayed. Proctor, who was a licensed contractor and has over 30 years of contracting experience and bridge work, donated his labor and equipment to help with the ongoing revitalization efforts in American Legion Park.

In October, Proctor was a key volunteer in helping place the historic, Big Elm Creek Bridge onto concrete abutments.

In November, Proctor stepped up, once again, and donated all the planning, materials and labor for construction to build concrete abutments for the Hope Memorial Bridge. With the help of an additional 11 volunteers, concrete abutments were successfully built to preserve an important piece of Rosebud’s history.

“Everything the Parks and Recreation is working to achieve has been done by donations, grants and in-kind goods and services,” stated Tiffani Murray, Park Board member. “Mr. Proctor’s generosity has allowed the development of the walking trail to move forward. It’s wonderful to see progress!”

This month, the Hope Memorial Bridge is now resting on the hard work and talent of community volunteers lead by Proctor.

“These men gave their valuable time to help build something new, but also preserve something special for families to enjoy for a long time,” Jamie Moeller, Park Board member said. “To watch the community work together for a greater good is one of the best aspects of seeing American Legion Park get revitalized. That is the heart of this project.”

A community gift wasn’t delivered in a shiny sleigh with eight tiny reindeer. It came in the form of a well-used crane and over a dozen willing hands, ready to serve and meet a need. The progress was all driven by one man’s generous action to take what he had and use it for a greater good. Proctor’s in-kind gifts put much cheer back in American Legion Park, with the historic, Hope Memorial Bridge sitting a little taller.

Vol. 132, No. 52, Wednesday December 23, 2020