Progress at Latham Memorial Family Park continues in earnest, with elements beginning to be constructed on the property.
California Progress, Inc. has made several improvements to the park space since acquiring the property in January. Located on the grounds formerly housing the Latham Sanitarium, this property is planned to house a children's playground, a veterans' memorial and a large gazebo. The property will also have a large mural painted on a building located north of the property depicting the Latham Sanitarium circa 1920. The plan is for CPI to donate the completed park to the city of California once it is completed.
After acquiring the property, CPI engaged an arborist who recommended removing the old diseased trees on the property. The removal was accomplished this spring by California city workers. The grounds were then cleared of considerable debris left from the hospital demolition. The wrought iron fence, located on the perimeter of the property, was cleaned and repainted this summer. An octagonal concrete base to house the gazebo was poured in August and additional grounds clean-up was accomplished. Top soil was hauled to the site in September, along with sand planned to fill areas exhibiting some subsidence. The mural painting also began in September and is progressing at this time. In early October, electrical service was trenched and installed from the power pole to the gazebo pad site.
The gazebo arrived last week from Pennsylvania and is currently being erected near the center of the property. The Victorian-style structure is 24 feet in diameter and will be three tiered, standing over 25 feet in height. It is primarily constructed of white vinyl designed to minimize future maintenance. A large copper turkey weather vane will crown the gazebo as requested by the anonymous donor who donated funds for the gazebo. Construction should be completed in November, weather permitting. The plans for the children's playground are in the final stages with cost estimation. The veterans' memorial is also in advanced planning stages and preliminary sketches have been presented to local veterans' groups.
CPI wishes to thank the many donors who made the purchase of the property and work to date possible. CPI also thanks the city workers and many volunteer workers involved to date. The support of the citizens of California has been gratifying and a testament to the generosity of the many citizens who care deeply for this city. The rate of future progress will largely depend on the amount and timing of funding received in support of the project. CPI is asking for donations to the Latham Memorial Family Park project which are tax deductible to the donor since CPI is a 501(c) (3) entity. Please contact the CPI office at (573) 796-4071 to donate or with questions, or mail CPI at PO Box 42, California, Missouri 65018.