Description
Our local park, Edmunds’ Park, is raising money to add ADA-accessible equipment so children of all abilities can enjoy more time outdoors. Funds raised will help purchase new ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) playground equipment and pave the current walking trail to better accommodate wheelchair users.
This inclusive playground fundraiser is especially close to the heart of Dave and Darla Goerend, as their granddaughter will benefit greatly from the addition of ADA equipment at her local park!
How to Enter:
Donate $100 for a chance to WIN a Goerend torque converter of your choice. 1/50 chance to win! Once all 50 entries are filled, winners will be selected at random.
After donating, send us a screenshot of your donation so we can contact the winner!
Thank you for supporting our community and helping make our park more accessible for everyone!
Edmunds' Park is more than just a gathering place in St. Lucas. It’s a tribute to the hardworking men whose names and legacy helped shape our community.
Edmunds' Park was named in honor of three local men from the St. Lucas area who all shared the name “Edmund.” These men represented the determination, craftsmanship, and community spirit that helped rural Iowa thrive in the years following World War II.
One of these men, Edmund Goerend, served in WWII. An Army Ranger stationed in the Pacific, Edmund was one of 100 rangers who helped free 500 Allied POWs from a Japanese camp in the Philippines. These POWs were survivors of the Bataan Death March. After the 30-minute assault, total Japanese fatalities from the entire engagement are estimated between 530 and 1,000+. US military suffered two fatalities total. The Cabanatuan raid, known as 'The Great Raid,' it is considered one of the most successful rescue operations in US military history. After the war, Edmund returned home and started a local automotive repair shop, which has now grown into an industry-leading manufacturer of torque converters and transmission components.
Together, these three men helped build the spirit of St. Lucas — neighbors helping neighbors, small businesses supporting local families, and generations dedicated to hard work and community pride.
Today, Edmunds' Park stands not only as a place for recreation and community events, but also as a lasting tribute to the people whose dedication and perseverance helped shape St. Lucas into the close-knit community it remains today.
