A Fourth of July event will help a private Sioux City park impacted by vandalism. Siouxland Public Media’s Sheila Brummer with details on the local organization trying to help.
A high-speed pursuit ran right through Latham Park back in March. The driver faced numerous felony charges.
“The person who was running ended up going and driving their truck through the gate to get into the park. At that point, they then tried to back up, hit the cruiser. And then since they couldn't get back out, they drove through the park, and then actually broke through the fence, but got stuck on the fencing the shrubberies.”
That’s Andrew Gerodias, Secretary of the Morningside Masonic Lodge number 615. He estimates the damage equaled several thousand dollars.
“I think in the end the insurance didn't even really reach the estimate of the damage.”
During the past 15 years, the Morningside Masons helped support the local landmark with activities, such as grill outs, and an annual 4th of July pancake feed.
“It's a short stack with sausages, and then coffee and usually orange juice or milk.”
“Just one of the ways that we sort of get back out into the community give back and really sort of take care of, you know, help them out raising funds.”
Gerodias not only volunteers to help the park, but he also sees it as a special place.
“I actually tried to propose to my wife there.”
But his milestone came off with a hitch.
“We drove by, and the park was locked. And so instead, I went and gotten engaged in the parking lot over at Morningside University.”
Gerodias says others who know about Latham Park, also appreciate the green space.
“It's just a gorgeous park in general, not your typical, ‘Hey, go and play on a playground sort of stuff.’ It's quiet. It's got the nice fountain. And it's just it's just quiet beauty of Morningside in my opinion.”
The annual pancake feed to help pay for park upkeep and the aftermath of a police pursuit is Tuesday, July 4th from 7 to 11 a.m. at Latham Park.
“It is one of the best-kept secrets in Morningside that really shouldn't be a secret.”
