WCF to build park at Covered Bridge site

The Wahkiakum Community Foundation's Board of Trustees this week announced that they will receive State funding to support the purchase of five acres at the Grays River Covered Bridge.

The acreage will become the "Ahlberg Park," named for the pioneer family who homesteaded the area. Located at the southwest corner of the bridge, the acreage is well known as a destination site for visitors and residents alike. Two large historic trees on the property provide shade and rest for visitors who take the time to visit the bridge.

The property will be purchased from the owner with the specific understanding that it be used as a park for the public and that it be managed by the Grays River Covered Bridge Fund Committee at the community foundation. The committee is comprised of citizens of the Grays River/Rosburg and Naselle areas. The fund annually gives grants to charitable organizations and activities in western Wahkiakum County and Naselle. In 2007, the Fund granted over $13,000, much of it raised at the 2006 Covered Bridge Celebration.

Bonnie Linquist, board president at the foundation and chair of the Covered Bridge Committee said she is pleased to have the funding from the State to make this project become a reality.

"We've been trying to raise funds for this project for a couple years. It's a joy to have it happen through the support of our legislators, Brian Blake, Dean Takko and Brian Hatfield. They all worked hard for us and we're so grateful. I hope everyone will come to the new Ahlberg Park dedication on August 4."