Leo J. Ryan Memorial Park

Infobox park
park= Leo J. Ryan Memorial Park


image size= 300px
caption= West-lagoon view of Ryan Park
type= Recreational park
location= Foster City, California
coordinates= N 37.55856 W 122.27153
size= 20.75 acres
opened= Rededicated, November 13, 2005
operator= Foster City government
annual visitors=
status= Open

Leo J. Ryan Memorial Park is a recreational city park, located in Foster City, California and run by the city government and local citizens. Originally called simply "Central Park", the park was named [cite book | last = Foster City Historical Society | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = T. Jack Foster | title = | publisher = Arcadia Publishing | date = 2005 | location = Foster City, California | pages = 79 | url = | doi = | id = ISBN 0738529087
"Central Park was rechristened "Leo Ryan Park" in 1979 to honor the congressman who had lobbied so hard to recognize and incorporate Foster City."] in honor and memory of Congressman Leo J. Ryan, the first [cite press release | title = Congressman Tom Lantos' Remarks on the 25th Anniversary of the Tragedy at Jonestown and the Death of Congressman Leo Ryan | publisher = Tom Lantos | date = 2003-11-17 | url = http://lantos.house.gov/HoR/CA12/Newsroom/Press+Releases/2003/11-17-03+Congressman+Tom+Lantos+Remarks+on+the+25th+Anniversary+of+the+Tragedy+at+Jonestown+and+the.htm | accessdate = 2006-09-08 ] and only United States Congressman to die in the line of duty. Congressman Ryan was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 1983. [ [http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=40789 Statement on Signing the Bill Authorizing a Congressional Gold Medal Honoring the Late Representative Leo J. Ryan] , President Ronald Reagan, November 18, 1983] [The Washington Post, November 30, 1984 v107 pC4 col 5 (10 col in), "Leo Ryan honored. (with Medal of Honor)" Jacqueline Trescott. ] [The New York Times, November 27, 1984 v134 pA25(L) col 2 (4 col in) "Reagan to give medal for slain congressman."(Leo J. Ryan)]

The park is situated on convert|20|acre|ha|0|lk=on which overlook a lake. [http://www.fostercity.org/Services/recreation/18.cfm?CFID=914737&CFTOKEN=78289253 Leo J Ryan Memorial park] , Foster City, California Web site.] The park houses the William E. Walker Recreation Center, and includes a waterfront, outdoor amphitheatre, sailboat tie-up facilities, boardwalk, lawn areas, and a gazebo on the lake. There is a pathway that goes around the perimeter of the park, which also has ADA access. [ [http://www.fostercity.org/news/press_releases/Update-on-Leo-Ryan-Park.cfm Update on Improvements to Leo Ryan Park] , Foster City, CA; September 11, 2003]

Ryan 25th anniversary memorial service

In 2003, on the 25th anniversary of his death, a special memorial tribute was held in Congressman Ryan's honor in Foster City, California. [http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/gate/archive/2003/11/18/ryan18.DTL Tribute to congressman Leo Ryan held in Foster City] , "San Francisco Chronicle", November 18, 2003, Bay City News Report, retrieved 2007-01-21.] Ryan's family and friends including California State Senator Jackie Speier and Ryan's daughters were in attendance. The "San Francisco Chronicle" reported that "Over and over today, people described a great man who continually exceeded his constituents' expectations." Towards the end of the memorial service, parents of those who had died in Jonestown stood, in honor of and thanks to Congressman Ryan for giving his life - while trying to save their children's.

After the service had concluded, mounted police escorted the family and friends into Leo J. Ryan Memorial Park. A wreath was laid next to a commemorative rock that honored Ryan.

2005 Rededication

After a three-year construction project, the park was rededicated on November 13, 2005. [http://www.fostercity.org/Services/fctv/leoryanopening.cfm Rededication video] , produced by [http://www.fostercity.tv Foster City Television] , Foster City, California, rededication of park, November 13, 2005.] Notable individuals in attendance included Congressman Ryan's two daughters, as well as Foster City council members and other members of government. Jackie Speier was also in attendance. [http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4176/is_20051112/ai_n15854735 Dedication set for Foster City's Leo J. Ryan park] , "Oakland Tribune", November 12, 2005 by Rebekah Gordon] Ryan's family stated: "Foster City's decision to name the park there after our dad really touched us..They've done remarkable things with the park."

Phases I and II of the park's reconstruction included the relocation and construction of the amphitheater and repair and replacement of the boardwalk. [http://www.fostercity.org/news/press_releases/Construction-Continuing-at-Leo-Ryan-Park.cfm Construction Continuing at Leo Ryan Park] , Foster City, CA; June 30, 2004.] Phase III included the Leo Ryan Memorial Plaza, the Leo Ryan Park Meadow area and installation of public art, the construction of two Bocce Ball courts and improvements to the City boat storage area.

Gallery

More images of the park:

ee also

*Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
*Leo J. Ryan Award

References

External links

;Foster City links
* [http://www.fostercity.org/Services/recreation/18.cfm?CFID=914737&CFTOKEN=78289253 Leo J Ryan Memorial park] , Foster City, California Web site.
* [http://www.fostercity.org/Services/fctv/leoryanopening.cfm Rededication video] , produced by Foster City Television, Foster City, California, rededication of park, November 13, 2005.;Media/Press
* [http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/gate/archive/2003/11/18/ryan18.DTL Tribute to congressman Leo Ryan held in Foster City] , "San Francisco Chronicle", November 18, 2003
* [http://origin.insidebayarea.com/business/ci_4918478 A Jogger runs at Leo Ryan Park under overcast skies in Foster City.] , Picture, "San Mateo County Times", California, December 29, 2006