CANCER MEMORIAL PARK RELOCATION PLANS UNDERWAY

BOWLING GREEN, MISSOURI — The future of the Cancer Memorial Park in Bowling Green remains uncertain as organizers continue searching for a new permanent location following its closure last fall.

The City of Bowling Green Board of Aldermen closed the park in September due to the deteriorating condition of the former Dos Primos building, creating safety concerns. Leaders with the Cancer Memorial Park Foundation say the closure is temporary, but remaining at the current site is no longer feasible.

Repairing the structure was explored, but estimates showed a significant cost that would not provide a long-term solution. Complicating matters further, the foundation does not own the building.

The board is now moving forward with plans to relocate the park. A masonry consultation found that many of the park’s features — including the pavers, memorials, and the Jesus statue — can be carefully disassembled and rebuilt at a new site.

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ince September, the foundation has been searching for property, focusing on locations near the Bowling Green square. However, limited availability and rising property values have made the search difficult. Organizers say they have been reaching out directly to property owners to explore possible sales or donations.

Fundraising has not yet begun, as the foundation wants to first secure a location and develop a detailed construction and relocation plan so donors will know exactly how funds will be used.

Foundation leaders say they remain committed to bringing the park back and preserving its purpose for the community. They are asking anyone with information about available property near the square to reach out privately.