Krause Legacy Park status report

More work to be done

Chet Krause Legacy Park work completed as of Sept. 5, 2024. Trey Foerster Photo

An update on the status of developments at Chester L. Krause Legacy Park was sent out by Clifford Mishler, fundraising chair, on Aug. 30.

He also informed past doors that an historical marker will be unveiled on Sunday, Oct. 13, at 2 p.m.

“This project’s development has been progressing nicely,” Mishler wrote. “Since the formal dedication of the uncompleted park was observed last fall – Friday, Oct. 13, 2023 – the large bronze Chet Krause monument centerpiece crafted by Eugene Daub has been placed – Saturday, May 11, 2024 – joining the community heritage historical mural that had been installed some months before. Back on Feb. 3, the ceremonial raising of a lighted American flag, donated by the Sheveland-Taylor Post 14 of the American Legion, had been realized in conjunction with events held in association with the 63rd anniversary Iola Winter Carnival.

“The final pours for the concrete sidewalks, curbs and gutters forming the park perimeter were accomplished this past week. A two-unit restroom facility has been framed and roofed. awaiting the requisite plumbing and electrical work, preparatory to finishing off the siding and interior walls of that structure. Work on tilling the grounds and seeding the lawn will be underway shortly. with highlight plantings of landscape shrubs. trees and such to follow,” Mishler noted.

Historical marker

“A historical marker is in preparation that will present visitors with a biographical overview of Chet Krause’s lifetime local, hobby, publishing, and philanthropic contributions in the service of mankind,” Mishler wrote.

This is the 25th historical marker erected by the Iola Historical Society.

Donations still needed

The project is not yet complete, and the budget was impacted by significant costs for lumber and concrete, enhanced electrical and plumbing installations, and the decision to build a two-unit restroom, which was to have been in a second phase of the project.

Donations are tax-deductible as the Village of Iola is the recipient of funds. Contributions can be sent to: Chet Krause Legacy Park Fund, Village of Iola, P.O. Box 336, Iola 54945-0336.