Kiwanis Park Dedication

The City of Laramie Parks and Recreation Department would like to invite the public to the official dedication of the Bob and Ruthie Blake Shelter, formerly Shelter #1 at Kiwanis Park. The public is invited for light refreshments at Kiwanis Park on Friday June 27th at 10:00 AM followed by a dedication ceremony to recognize Bob and Ruthie Blake’s contributions to Kiwanis Park.

In 1983 Bob and Ruthie Blake donated 2.48 acres, more or less of property to what is now known as Kiwanis Park. At the time of the donation the land had a value of $63,000 which in today’s dollars would far exceed $100,000. This was part of a land sale for what is today the southern portion of Kiwanis Park. The Blake’s sold the City of Laramie land located in Block 40: Lots 1, 2 and 3 and donated Lot 4 to the City because they care about the City of Laramie which we all work, live and play in.

It is important to note that in 1983 the City of Laramie had no Parkland dedication fee from developers nor was there any development pressure on the Blake’s to provide this gift to the City of Laramie. In a letter dated May 24, 1983 Bob Blake is quoted as saying, “…my wife and I do want to see the city have this particular property. In fact, we believe it is perfect for the community and want to do everything possible for our community to utilize this parcel.”

Please feel free to contact the Parks and Recreation Director, Paul Harrison at 307-721-5260 or the Parks Manager, David Schott at 307-721-5264 with any questions or concerns.