Land Donation Moves Cancer Memorial Park Expansion Forward

BOWLING GREEN, Mo. — A major step forward is underway for the Cancer Memorial Park Foundation after the Bowling Green Board of Aldermen voted unanimously Monday night to donate a city lot for the park’s future use.

The donated property is located at 16 South Court Street, next to the MASH store and near the downtown square. It is also close to the current Cancer Memorial Park location, sitting practically across the street from the back entrance to the existing park. The Cancer Memorial Park Foundation board is scheduled to meet May 28 to vote on finalizing the transaction.

Foundation supporters say the move could make a major difference for the future of the park. The lot measures 42.5 feet by 120 feet, making it larger than the current site. It is also already an open lot, with no known demolition needed at this point. Because of its proximity to the existing park, supporters say memorial pavers may be able to be moved from one location to the other without the need for heavy equipment.

The foundation said the only expense expected for the park will be the cost of recording the deed.

The donation came during Mayor Tom Thompson’s first meeting as mayor. Foundation supporters thanked Thompson for suggesting that something be done to help the cancer park, and they also thanked the Board of Aldermen for the land donation.

Supporters said when the motion came to a vote, more than one alderman spoke up to second it.

The foundation also credited community members who shared a May 1 post about the park, saying those shares helped bring the issue to the mayor’s attention. Linda Luebrecht was also thanked for her efforts in helping move the project forward.

The Cancer Memorial Park Foundation says there is still a lot of work ahead, including planning the future park and raising funds for construction. Supporters are asking the community to continue following updates, sharing information, and keeping families affected by cancer in their prayers.