Railroad Park targeted for new name

Wyoming to honor former mayor Neil Gatzow

by Elise d'Entremont
Press Correspondent
Published:
Tuesday, April 13, 2010 3:14 PM CDT

WYOMING — Officials will work to rename the most visible city park after its longest serving mayor whose family roots in the community go back for generations.

Railroad Park, one of the 19 active parks within the city of Wyoming, is expected to be renamed Neil Gatzow Park after a general consensus of the Wyoming City Council at its April 6 regular meeting. Gatzow is a former mayor and lifetime local resident.

Improvements are also planned for the downtown park.
The proposal made by Mayor Sheldon Anderson was well received, and he noted the contributions of service Gatzow has made to the community and the city of Wyoming. Anderson stated he would help raise the donations needed for the renaming and redeveloping of the park.

“I’m deeply appreciated and humbled by even the discussion. It’s a great honor,” Gatzow said during a phone interview following the meeting.

Gatzow and his father, grandfather and great grandfather have all been lifelong city of Wyoming residents.

“It’s almost hokey to be that close to your roots, but I am very pleased with it and the way things have transpired for me,” he said.Gatzow was a city of Wyoming mayor for 14 years from 1986 to 2000.

“The longest anyone had served before me was about eight years and that was one person. Typically it’s three times and enough is enough. I was a slow learner,” he said.

Prior to becoming mayor Gatzow was on the planning commission for 12 years, serving as chairman for 11 of those years. During the same time he was a volunteer firefighter for the Wyoming Fire Department for 12 years.

Gatzow served a short time on the City Council, finishing out another person’s term, and was encouraged by the outgoing mayor, Ken Nielson, to run for mayor.

He recalls his service to the community as an enjoyable and personally satisfying experience. “I really enjoyed being mayor and being part of things, to be able to express input and see things take place. I was involved in a very active part. I got a lot of satisfaction from serving on the City Council. I was lucky to serve with some very good people. We didn’t all agree on things, but we did not have a disagreeable City Council. Everybody could work through things when they disagreed and no one carried it with them after the fact. I was very fortunate in serving with the people that I did,” said Gatzow.

Railroad Park, sometimes locally referred to as the “Gateway Park” to the city of Wyoming, is located on the corner of Viking Blvd. and Highway 61. It is one-fifth of an acre of undeveloped land that was created when the railroad depot was torn down years ago, according to City Administrator Craig Mattson.

The Sunrise Prairie Trail, a popular bike and pedestrian trail, runs along the east side of the park.

This will be the third park to be name after a Wyoming resident. Norm Tolzmann Park was named last year, after the longtime Wyoming Township resident just before he passed away. Bob Swenson Park and was named more than 10 ten years ago, said Gatzow.

According to Anderson, the park is expected to have a new sign, gazebo, horseshoe pit and benches. It is unsure if there will be any lights. Anderson hopes the project will be accomplished by the end of the summer.

“I think it’s a great idea,” said Councilmember and Park Board member Roger Elmore. “Neil and his family have been longtime active community members. It’s an opportunity to get the park complete with the horseshoe pit and gazebo. It will be a nice addition to the city and it shouldn’t be any problem, we can move pretty quick. I’m sure there will be a ceremonial renaming.”