Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Ketchum to inaugurate new park

Site is named after longtime neighbor, caretaker

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By TREVON MILLIARD
Express Staff Writer

The city of Ketchum will celebrate the opening of Lucy Loken Park on Wednesday, Sept. 2, with a garden party running from 2-4 p.m. and a ribbon cutting ceremony at 2:15 p.m.

The park—located along Trail Creek at the intersection of Walnut Avenue and First Street—was previously an uninhabited public space. For years, no one cared for the small parcel of land except longtime Ketchum resident Lucy Loken. She lived next door to the open right-of-way years ago and would often plant flowers and look over the property, said Ketchum Parks Superintendent Jennifer Smith.

When she died, so did her garden.

When neighbors, families and friends heard that the half-acre tract would be made into a park, they thought it only suitable to bestow the park with Loken's name. The park's transformation includes newly planted trees, an open grass area, a meandering stone stairway, restrooms, a drinking fountain, and a trail leading to Trail Creek.

"It's a great lunch spot that gives a person the feel of being far from the busy downtown area," Smith said.

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Loken's granddaughter, grandson-in-law and son-in-law traveled from Wisconsin to be guests of honor at the event.

Trevon Milliard: trevon@mtexpress.com