Veterans Memorial Park {Part 2 - Pavilions}

If these pavilions could talk...

A place for everyone to gather, the pavilions in the Union parks system enjoy more birthday parties, family reunions, wedding receptions, banquets, concerts, picnics, and political rallies than we will ever know.

Events as large as the Regional FFA Foundation Banquet sponsored by the Union Rotary Club to the city's Long Haul BBQ to even a political rally for a Presidential race have used the Union Parks pavilions.
These highly used gathering spots are a hot commodity on Saturdays from April through October, with many reservations being made well over a year in advance.

One of many family gatherings one will see at the park pavilions.

During the pavilion season, if you want to use one on a Saturday, you have two choices:

1. call the Parks Department and rent one, or
2. arrive at dawn to stake claim to the use of the pavilion for the day.

There are only 3 pavilions in the Union parks that are on a first-come, first-picnic basis, and the other 7 are available to be rented. Of course, if a pavilion is not rented, then it is a first-come, first-picnic basis as well.

A birthday girl at the Garden Pavilion near Clark-Vitt Elementary.

Now, there are also smaller family shelters, a covered picnic table or two. These are always first-come, first-picnic.

According to Angie Breeden in the Parks Department, the new park would most likely have several family shelters, giving Union residents additional spots to enjoy their picnics in the park or just to escape the sun during their visit.

During his campaign in 2008, President Obama held a grass roots rally at the large pavilion.

On Tuesday, June 5th, Proposition Parks will be the only item on a special ballot. A "yes" vote will be for a .5% additional sales tax, making the tax rate 8.975%. The revenue from this tax is solely for the parks department, and cannot be used for anything else, according to the city website.

What does that amount translate to?

• on a $2.75 ice cream cone from Scoops N' More - 1.3 cents extra
• on a $60 dog crate at Dickey Bub's - 30 cents extra
• on a $300 pair of eye glasses from Union Eye Associates - $1.50 extra

Voting will only be held at the Union City Hall Auditorium, 500 East Locust, Union. However, voters may also cast an absentee ballot beforehand if they will not be able to vote on June 5th.

The Union Parks Department may be reached at 636-583-8471.

Up next: more on the other areas of the 43.8 acre Veterans Memorial Park...walking trails, splash pad, playground, soccer and football fields, and more.

Author: Tyann Marcink

Photos: Marcink Designs