May 22, 2010 was proclaimed by Village president Craig Grandahl as "Park Committee Day" in the Village of Wilson. The proclamation recognized the hard work and dedication of the five members of the Playground Committee, village residents Gina Johnson, Jessica Luukkonen, Troy Moe and Village treasurer Tenaya Tison.
The story of the creation of the new Dahlberg Park is as inspiring as the story of the park's namesake, Wilson native son Ken Dahlberg. Dahlberg's life story is recounted in the book "One Step Forward" which is the subtitle on the new park sign for the Dahlberg Park. Dahlberg was a major financial contributor to the park.
It was the dream of Gina Johnson of Wilson to have a park for the children of the area, including her own when she brought up the idea at a Village Board meeting in October of 2008.
In selflessly pledging the major donation of $25,000 to the park, the humble Dahlberg stated he needed no recognition for the contribution, but Tison wouldn't hear of it and declared, "We will be naming it after you Ken!" Tison had been told it would take five years to raise the money. She didn't believe it would take that long and now with the Dahlberg contribution, that time has been cut to two years.
Tison congratulated the community, "We did it!" She profusely thanked all of the many helping hands who made Dahlberg Park a reality. She noted that no public monies have gone into the project including a $5,000 park maintenance fund and the use of solar lighting to reduce the need for a utility bill for the park. She encouraged everyone to take "One Step Forward" as Ken did.
Dahlberg the WWII flying "Ace" was decorated with the Distinguished Service Cross, the nation's second highest military honor for his heroism. He is also a very successful businessman and a true gentleman with humble beginnings in the little western Wisconsin town of Wilson. It seemed only appropriate that he should be asked to speak at the dedication of the park bearing his name. Dahlberg was accompanied at the dedication by his lovely wife B.J., charming grandson Carl Hansel and other family members as well as his friend Warren Mack and his family.
"This is the second most important day of my life. The first was when my family moved to Wilson when I was one year old. The second is today; Wilson was the spark for me. This community is the essence and heartbeat of America, and I wanted to do something for this community and its kids," Dahlberg said.
He later commented, "It was a million memories that sparked my interest in supporting the playground project. It is a thrill for me to be here today."
Story by Paul Seeling, Editor & Publisher, MGN
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