Rosepine Evans Historical Park
It has been a dream for the Rosepine Historical Society to build a park since it began in 2000 as the closest walking park is in the town of DeRidder, which is ten miles away from some residents of the Rosepine community. The idea for a park was first suggested by our Vice President Richard Thompson; we need our community to have a park, and so the discussion began. The problem was - where would it be built?
There were many possible locations in the area but the historical society had no money to purchase land. Then in 2012, through the generosity of Mrs. Peggy Sharpe Fedderson, the dream become a reality. Peggy is the granddaughter of Tom Evans and Tom had already donated land for the Rosepine Cemetery which had adjacent undeveloped land. After Tom passed, Peggy inherited the land from her grandfather. In memory of her grandfather, Peggy decided to donate the land where the park is now located (next to the Rosepine Cemetery).
In honor of Tom - and Peggy - the historical society members named the park "Rosepine Evans Historical Park".
Donations and Grants for the Future Park
The land for the park was acquired in two phases. First, 8.73 acres, valued at $87,000.00, was donated to the Rosepine Historical Society by Peggy Ann Sharpe Fedderson. The second acquisition was three acres purchased with a $15,000.00 donation by Austa and Paul Granberry - the three acre tract will remain the property of the historical society and house the future Museum, a Pavilion available to the public, as well as a basketball and tennis court.
A grant of $25,000.00 was received from the Rapides Foundation, and matching funds were earned by the Rosepine Historical Society in 2013. A grant of $1,000 was received from the Vernon Parish Tourist Commission. The land was surveyed and all lawyer fees were donated by Clay Williams of Leesville.
Resources to begin clearing the land came from the Rosepine Historical Society fund raisers which included: festivals, historical society dues, book sales, donations, and grants. When ready to begin, a dozer was hired to clear the road right-of-way, remove tree stumps, and level the land. Clearing of the underbrush on the park property was done by members of the historical society on a volunteer basis.
Dedicated Members
The dedication and time of historical society members to tackle this tremendous undertaking is second to none. Board Member Paul Granberry worked hundreds of hours with his own equipment day after day clearing first the roadway, then the park area.
President Bill Loftin, Vice President Richard Thompson, Board Member Dave Loftin, and many others gave of their time and talents to get the job done.
Chaplain Byron McCain, Austa Hunt Granberry, Bonnie Loftin Thompson, Evelene Loftin, Veva June Calhoun Collins, M.L. Chevalier, Sharon Foshee Chevalier, David Pitts, Shelly Thompson Pitts, Leonard Johnson, Doris Johnson, Gaye McKee, and Dollie Parker - are just a few of the dedicated folks who worked hard to make this park a reality for the community of Rosepine.
Cardiac Walk at the Park
Rosepine’s Evans Historical Park’s Cardiac Walk is about a half mile long and meanders through a beautifully wooded setting embellished with floral plantings and birds chirping. Now isn't that a boost to the spirit for folks to walk for their good health.
Obesity is a problem in the Rosepine community and this walking path makes available a means for residents to get beneficial exercise in a safe environment, the entrance side of the park is lighted for convenience. Eventually, signs will be posted along the path to help promote proper warm-up, stretching, and posture. The benches in the park have been purchased by residents in loving memory of family members which allow walkers a place for rest and relaxation.
At the time the park began, there was approximately 4,000 people within a six mile radius with over half of those people living within a mile or less, who find the location convenient for their needs. It is our hope to serve senior citizens, those who wish to combat obesity, as well as anyone who wishes to improve their health by walking.
Additional Plans at the Park
In the future, the Rosepine Historical Society, plans to include a children's play area, a pavilion for large groups of people to meet, picnic tables, a basketball court, a tennis court, and a museum.
When completed, the historical society will donate the Cardiac Walk and the Children's Play area to the City of Rosepine.
Memorial Benches, Memorial Stones, Picnic Tables
If you are interested in purchasing a memorial bench, memorial stones, or a picnic table our current items for sale can be found in the shop.
