Families give land for park
GLUCKSTADT — Families with deep roots in the community announced this week they are donating land to the city for the creation of a new park.
Commercial realtor Christi Greenlee, while doing research to find businesses to locate in the city, continued to hear over and over that the city needed a park.
“The number one request was a park,” said Greenlee. “This was one of the first times in the 30-plus years in commercial real estate that I felt a passion to be a part.”
From there, Greenlee began to have conversations with Lee Hutchinson and John Harreld, both who have families deeply-rooted in Gluckstadt. They also have their family lineage traced back to one of the original families — the Schmidt family.
“As the businesses in our community continue to thrive, we have noticed a parallel growth in our population,” Hutchinson said. “With this growth, it has become evident that the residents of Gluckstadt are in need of a park. It is both a necessity and a desire for our community members to have a space where they can relax, unwind, and enjoy the beauty of nature.
“To fulfill this need, we are delighted to announce that the Hutchinson and Harreld families would like to donate a piece of property for the establishment of a park,” Hutchinson continued. “We believe that this park will not only enhance the quality of life for our residents but also attract visitors who will contribute to the vitality of our town.”
“I thinks it’s for a great cause and opportunity for the City of Gluckstadt,” said Harreld said. “As a landowner and developer, I am pleased to help and do what I can for the city. The leadership in the city has done well.”
“I want to thank the Harreld and Hutchinson families for their generous donation to the City of Gluckstadt” Gluckstadt Mayor Walter Morrison said. “These families have been here for generations and this donation illustrates their continued dedication to the City. I hope that our citizens will enjoy this park for many years to come.”
Hutchinson said he was eagerly anticipating plans for development for the park.
“We envision a place where families can create cherished memories, children can play and explore, and individuals can find solace in the tranquility of their surroundings,” he said.