While classic rock played from the Spring Lake Park gazebo, friends, family and neighbors came together Sunday afternoon to celebrate the completion of the Keep Flower Mound Beautiful Spring Lake Park Beautification Project in honor of the life of Marianne Kilpatrick.
Kilpatrick, a 39-year-old Bridlewood resident, passed away suddenly last November after collapsing while speaking at a community meeting attended by many of her friends and neighbors. She left behind her husband, Pete, and three-year-old daughter, Mackenzie.
Kids enjoyed a visit with Texas native animals from the Critterman and games and inflatables from Giggly Kids during Sunday’s event. The Summit Club served up their famous hot dogs and all enjoyed the live music of the Mid-Life Crisis Band, but the big attraction was the unveiling of the $30,000 park makeover, completed entirely with volunteer labor and private donations from individuals and business sponsors.
The changes include: Five Texas native or adaptable plant beds, a wildflower field, a lighted fountain, an outdoor amphitheater and education stations on the park’s ecosystem. The education stations are the first of their kind in the Flower Mound park system, according to KFMB officials.
Kelly McDonald, a board member of Keep Flower Mound Beautiful, explained how the objective of the project was twofold: to give back to the community as Marianne Kilpatrick did, and also to allow the act of service to contribute to the cohesiveness of the community. McDonald thanked nine partner organizations, including the Summit Club and Bridlewood Moms, and 23 sponsors. She further acknowledged the many private donors and volunteers, demonstrating the breadth of the involvement of Flower Mound’s residents and business community in the project.
Several members of Town Council attended the celebration, lending their support to KFMB’s work to promote grass roots interest in giving back to the community by enhancing the parks. Mayor Jody Smith was especially supportive of Keep Flower Mound Beautiful’s ongoing efforts. During her remarks she encouraged the community to embrace local non-profits, supporting them with funding and volunteer hours during these difficult economic times.
While most of the day was filled with celebratory smiles, participants paused in remembrance of Mrs. Kilpatrick as three generations of her family gathered to unveil the rock placed in the park in her honor. The inscription reads, “KFMB Spring Lake Park Beautification Project – friends, family & neighbors honoring the life of Marianne Kilpatrick through service to the community.”
The celebration brought closure to an almost year long project, but the park enhancements will continue to be a reminder of what committed people can do when they work together toward a common goal and the young woman who they wished to honor by their act of service.
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