Volunteers wrap up dredging project at Marilla Park in Streator

A majority of the work on the Marilla Park dredging project has been completed. Cleanup is all that remains.

State Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa, said the dirt will need to heal for a couple of months before workers can regrade the park.

Streator Mayor Jimmie Lansford had approached Yednock and Dean Rankovich, who were partners with the Operators Local 150 Union at the time, about restoring the Marilla Park pond in northeast Streator to what it looked like 60 years ago.

“We came and took a look at it,” Yednock said. “It’s a difficult project because of the water, and we kept coming back to it to see how we could get it lined up; then I ran for office, so my life took a turn and it was hard to get back to.”

Yednock said it turned out several contractors offered to supply the machinery for a couple of weeks if he could supply the labor; they were able to finish the work in about two weeks.

“We wouldn’t have gotten it done without the city or contractor’s support,” Yednock said. “Of course, we also have the operators showing off their skills.”

Lansford said the Lions Club eventually will build a handicapped-accessible dock where people can fish. Landscaping the area will be up to the city.

“This is such a great project,” Lansford said. “It’s just another example of the way people volunteer for projects that are worthwhile in town here.”

Feken Construction, Opperman Construction, White Construction, Vissering Construction, Toby’s Construction, Queen’s Hauling, Joe Hatzer and Son and Martin Equipment all contributed to the project.