Ventura Council votes to dedicate park to Mayor Bob

 Ventura’s only city park will will be dedicated to the man who has devoted much of his life to the community’s betterment.

At its July 28 meeting the Ventura City Council voted to name the playground on the west edge of town “West Lake Park” and directed City Clerk Else Taylor to have a plaque made to dedicate the park to longtime mayor, Bob Wolfram.
 “For his lifelong dedication and enthusiasm for public service and devotion in making this park a reality,” reads the inscription which will soon be placed at the park.
 The 88-year-old Wolfram considers the park to be among his best achievements in more than 20 years as its mayor.
 “It’s all about the kids,” said Wolfram. “And now they have a great place to play, have fun and be safe. I love this place.”
 Wolfram stepped down as Ventura’s mayor in 2009, but remains as committed to his small community as ever. He still enjoys meeting friends for coffee and discussing local events. He is, by his own definition, Ventura’s number one cheerleader.
 “The people in Ventura are just great. It’s a close-knit community and has been very good to me and my family. I consider everyone in Ventura friends.”
 Wolfram was mayor of Ventura from 1982-1993, then served on the Ventura City Council from 1996-1999. He was re-elected mayor in 2002 and was its leader until deciding not to seek re-election in 2009.
 During his tenure, Wolfram said he saw the community growing to the west and wanted to create a park for youngsters in the town to enjoy. He began enlisting help for the creation of a park in 2006. Donations, grants and purchases by the city have turned the once small park into a good-size play area, with everything from a rock climbing station to diggers and tunnel slides. The trees planted in the park’s early days are beginning to provide nice shade for playing and picnicking. A shelter house is located in the center of the park, with tables that are both adult-- and kid size, is used often. - Read More Via e-Edition