BOWLING GREEN, Mo. — Committed, genuine, dedicated…all words used to describe former Bowling Green City Clerk and Administrator Barb Allison as city officials dedicated the new pocket park next to the Bowling Green Community Center to her on Sunday.

Bowling Green Mayor Jim Arico told Eagle 102 that when he first started on the park board several years ago, they discussed putting a park by the library. Allison noted she has always wanted a park there.

Arico said the city began applying for grants this past year and was awarded money from the MFA Oil Foundation and Dr. Pepper KaBOOM and the park board began working on the new park. He added that because of Allison’s 20 years of commitment to the Bowling Green community, they wanted to name the park after her.

“We just felt like it was something we were supposed to do to recognize her contributions,” said Arico.

Park board president Erica Mitalovich spoke at the dedication.

“While there are some members of the current park board who didn’t get to work with you, I’d like to think your passion and spirit are still going strong and we hope to carry that on for you (Allison).”

In addition to the city dedicating the park to Allison, the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony. Allison was recognized as the 2018 Citizen of the Year by the chamber at their 2019 banquet for her years of assistance working hand in hand with the chamber to accomplish numerous things over her tenure.

“It’s pretty spectacular that they are dedicating this to Barb,” said chamber president Tracy Brookshier. “She’s done a lot for the city, not just working for the city for so long, but she’s always gone above and beyond to ensure the city thrives. In more ways than one, she’s always been super helpful to the chamber and the Downtown Revitalization Committee and our efforts and what we are trying to do in the city. She was always eager to help in any way she could.”

Arico added that while they didn’t receive the grant to put a recycled tire walking path around the new playground equipment, employees with Alliance Water Resources did create a makeshift path in hopes that down the road more playground equipment can be added, and the path expanded as well.

“To dedicate means to set aside for a particular purpose,” said Arico at the ceremony. “So we are dedicating this, setting it aside for a particular purpose because of your heart, dedication and service for 20 years. So first, we want to dedicate to you (Allison) and remember it’s appreciation.”

Arico continued by saying they also dedicate the park for play.

“We want our kids and families to be able to play and enjoy and learn socialization skills to be able to just participate and have fun. That would also be the third purpose also, just to have joy. We are lacking joy these days because we are so spread apart and divided as a country, but we want the park to be here for joy, fun and play. And in remembrance of people who do serve and you (Allison) as a role model for future generations.”

Arico opened the floor when Allison quickly jumped in that she would like to address everyone.

“The park board over the years have struggled to get the improvements and the updates done on the park then in the last few years they really stepped up their game. They liked the idea of making this a little pocket park, they are always striving to add more and that is very much appreciated. Not only by the community, but the aldermen, the mayors, the administrators – so we say thank you to the park board members.”

Allison went on to thank mayors and city administrators for taking the ideas to the board, getting behind them and standing behind them. Then she addressed board members in attendance, thanking them for not only dedicating the park to her but making sure the park itself happen.

“It’s such a great little park,” said Allison. “I think our city parks are fabulous. Alliance takes such good care of them. Dena (Conners) does such a good job with the events and I look forward to them just getting better and better.”

After the dedication was over, all the pictures were taken, Allison was asked about her thoughts.

“I’m so humbled,” said Allison. “I don’t really like being put in the limelight, but I appreciate everyone coming out and being with me today. This is such an unexpected honor that I will treasure forever.”