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Leo J. Ryan Memorial Park

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Leo J. Ryan Memorial Park
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TypeRecreational park
LocationFoster City, California
CoordinatesN 37.55856 W 122.27153
OpenedRededicated on November 13, 2005
Operated byFoster City government
StatusOpen

Leo J. Ryan Memorial Park is a recreational city park, located in Foster City, California and run by the city government and local citizens. Originally called simply "Central Park", the park was named[1] in honor and memory of Congressman Leo J. Ryan, the first[2] and only United States Congressman to die in the line of duty. Congressman Ryan was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 1983.[3][4][5]

The park is situated on 20 acres (8 ha) which overlook a lake.[6] The park houses the William E. Walker Recreation Center, and includes a waterfront, outdoor amphitheatre, sailboat tie-up facilities, boardwalk, lawn areas, and a gazebo on the lake.[6] There is a pathway that goes around the perimeter of the park, which also has ADA access.[7]

Ryan 25th anniversary memorial service

Congressman Leo J. Ryan

In 2003, on the 25th anniversary of his death, a special memorial tribute was held in Congressman Ryan's honor in Foster City, California.[8] Ryan's family and friends including California State Senator Jackie Speier and Ryan's daughters were in attendance. The San Francisco Chronicle reported that "Over and over today, people described a great man who continually exceeded his constituents' expectations."[8] Towards the end of the memorial service, parents of those who had died in Jonestown stood, in honor of and thanks to Congressman Ryan for giving his life - while trying to save their children's.

After the service had concluded, mounted police escorted the family and friends into Leo J. Ryan Memorial Park. A wreath was laid next to a commemorative rock that honored Ryan.[8]

2005 rededication

Sign at the Leo J. Ryan Park.

After a three-year construction project, the park was rededicated on November 13, 2005.[9] Notable individuals in attendance included Congressman Ryan's two daughters, as well as Foster City council members and other members of government.[9] Jackie Speier was also in attendance.[10] Ryan's family stated: "Foster City's decision to name the park there after our dad really touched us ... They've done remarkable things with the park."[10]

Phases I and II of the park's reconstruction included the relocation and construction of the amphitheater and repair and replacement of the boardwalk.[11] Phase III included the Leo Ryan Memorial Plaza, the Leo Ryan Park Meadow area and installation of public art, the construction of two Bocce Ball courts and improvements to the City boat storage area.[11]

See also

References

  1. ^ Foster City Historical Society (2005). Foster City, California: Arcadia Publishing. p. 79. ISBN 0738529087. {{cite book}}: Missing or empty |title= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
    "Central Park was rechristened "Leo Ryan Park" in 1979 to honor the congressman who had lobbied so hard to recognize and incorporate Foster City."
  2. ^ "Congressman Tom Lantos' Remarks on the 25th Anniversary of the Tragedy at Jonestown and the Death of Congressman Leo Ryan" (Press release). Tom Lantos. 2003-11-17. Retrieved 2006-09-08. {{cite press release}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  3. ^ Statement on Signing the Bill Authorizing a Congressional Gold Medal Honoring the Late Representative Leo J. Ryan, President Ronald Reagan, November 18, 1983
  4. ^ The Washington Post, November 30, 1984 v107 pC4 col 5 (10 col in), "Leo Ryan honored. (with Medal of Honor)" Jacqueline Trescott.
  5. ^ The New York Times, November 27, 1984 v134 pA25(L) col 2 (4 col in) "Reagan to give medal for slain congressman."(Leo J. Ryan)
  6. ^ a b Leo J Ryan Memorial park, Foster City, California Web site.
  7. ^ Update on Improvements to Leo Ryan Park, Foster City, CA; September 11, 2003
  8. ^ a b c Tribute to congressman Leo Ryan held in Foster City, San Francisco Chronicle, November 18, 2003, Bay City News Report, retrieved 2007-01-21.
  9. ^ a b Rededication video, produced by Foster City Television, Foster City, California, rededication of park, November 13, 2005.
  10. ^ a b Dedication set for Foster City's Leo J. Ryan park, Oakland Tribune, November 12, 2005 by Rebekah Gordon
  11. ^ a b Construction Continuing at Leo Ryan Park, Foster City, CA; June 30, 2004.
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