IN MEMORY OF KARI — George and Joanne Klug are pictured on the new park swing which they so graciously donated funds to have placed at St. Olaf Park. They hold a plaque in memory of their daughter Kari Jo Rasmussen and infant child who were killed in a tragic auto accident in 2010. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
After the final load of mulch was spread about the new playground equipment at St. Olaf Lake Park Wednesday evening June 15th, there seemed only one thing remaining for the hard working volunteers. It didn’t really involve any toil of labor, just the bowing of heads in prayer. Pastor Paul Andree of Trinity Lutheran Church led the group in a short dedication service. Andree welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming to the dedication.
“A special welcome goes to George and Joanne Klug, parents of Kari Klug Rasmussen,” said Andree. “Their care and concern for kids makes this dedication even more meaningful to us. I can not imagine a greater joy than to hear the laughter of children.”
Kari Rasmussen and unborn child died in a tragic traffic accident in June of 2010. The Klugs, along with John Rasmussen, (Kari’s husband) donated almost $5,000 for the purchase of the new playground equipment, as their daughter loved to spend time at the park.
The new playground equipment consists of three different pieces in different parts of the park. There is a large climbing tower with slides for older children, a toddler set up with swings, and a bench swing which looks out over the water. Each area has a bedding of mulch around the appartus to cushion falls.
“The purchase of this wonderful playground equipment you see here today is not only an investment in our future generation, it is an investment in our community,” said Andree.
The new equipment was needed as the old wooden playground it replaced was 35 years old, in need of repair, and was becoming a safety issue.
“We now have the opportunity to say thank you everyday, all year long, to the donors who made this a reality,” said Andree.
Pastor Andree closed with a prayer and a reading from the Bible: “The streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing...It is marvelous in my sight.”
