Veterans Park ideas? Share them at forum

FLORENCE -- A Bass Pro Shops or an outlet shopping mall have been tossed around as ideas to be built as an attraction at Veterans Park.

Today, during a meeting at the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library, organizers hope more ideas will be generated.

One idea that Milly Wright wants to discuss is the possibility of an outdoor historical theme park.

"I envision a combination historical and amusement park,'' said Wright, of Florence.

"It would be an encouragement for tourism and an economic plus for the area.''

Wright said this type of attraction would put people to work as well as attract visitors.

Wright said there are other people in the area who share her vision for the park.

In Wright's plan, the attraction would tell the area's story "in an understandable and enjoyable way.''

"The park would show how people have lived and provided for themselves in this particular place during a number of eras -- prehistoric times, Indian occupation, early settlement and commercial development. Possibilities for the future could also be portrayed,'' she said.

"The main thing is it would not only be educational but it would be entertaining also. There would be things there for the young and old.''

She said the facility could have an outlet center for locally made goods. "Not just little crafts but also big stuff as well,'' Wright said.

The public is invited to attend the meeting and learn more about Wright's idea as well as to offer other suggestions.

Tom Smith can be reached at 740-5757 or tom.smith@timesdaily.com.