Countryside Park, Spanish Lookout
Not much to see, yet a number of activities to do. Thousands have made memories there; unpleasant things have happened; beautiful weddings have taken place. Both Mennonites and non-Mennonites from miles around visit the park. Take a walk on the roads that run under tree lined avenues; practice your photography; try out your first canoe on the lake there; sit under a tree and spend a quiet time with your loved ones.
Located on Route 40 west, about 2 miles from Center Road. Simply find Linda Vista Lumber or Plett's Home Builders and you'll find yourself within view of this park. If you're in a SUV or pickup you can drive around in the park but if you're on any type of motorcycle you must park it at the entrance and get around on foot. Several years ago motorcycles were banned from the park for various reasons.(Bicycles are allowed) Perhaps I'm wrong, but one thing I noticed after the motorbike ban was put in place is that the amount of plastic garbage was greatly reduced.
Anyways, on a personal level, I simply love this park for so many reasons. There are no cemented walkways, no breathtaking flower arrangements, no cobblestone paths, no fountains, no little statues of birds or animals, no magnificent arches. Yet the very fact that it is plain, simple and so "family-type" is exactly why I visit frequently. Besides using it as a place of relaxation and meditation, it also holds sentimental values for me.
History:
Construction plans began in 2004 and construction started a little later. A creek was dammed and the upper part widened and excavated to form a small lake complete with islands and bridge. The goal was to complete it before the 50th anniversary of the community in 2008, for which a grand festival was planned. In 2008 the 50th anniversary was held between Feb and March. The main road from Center Road to the park was still unpaved at that time. See link below:
A permanent non-Mennonite caretaker/watchman and his family were placed at the entrance to the park. As the years go by the park is continually upgraded. The big open building was extended and can hold several thousand people. Recently a smaller open building was built closer to the lake, family booths were constructed at different locations, a permanent kitchen was built, new roads were created and a new bridge built at the northern end of the lake. Route 40 was paved from Center Road to the park entrance just before the 60th anniversary was held last year.
Events
Besides the decade anniversaries, other major events have been held here, for example the national business expo has been done here for some years. At such events community constables are present to maintain order and control the parking and traffic. A Christian reggaeton singer from Honduras once held a concert here. Small family events such as picnics or photography sessions can be held here by anyone from any part of the country whether Mennonite or not without notifying anyone but for weddings, funerals, religious gatherings, organized festivals, church outings, or field trips, please contact the community office. Thankfully political gatherings are not held here. A confrontation between Jehovah's Witness and some non-traditional Mennonites happened here some years ago. One of my co-workers who is a JW and was present there gave me a first-hand detailed account of the incident which I might share in another article.
The new metal building closer to the lake
A number of these family booths have been built around the lake
Some interesting things: a young man drowned in that lake about 3 years after it was completed. The EMMC-sponsored New Year's fireworks have been held here sometimes. Young Spanish couples from surrounding villages are breaking away from the tradition of getting married inside a church building and are using the park as a wedding seat. Swimming is out of the question since the water is brackish and the ground is black mud. Also that water contains traces of waste material from cows and from the slaughterhouse close by. The two most common major events held here are weddings and funerals.
