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JOHNSON - After some six years of planning, cooperation from Luzenac America, and a lot of volunteer help, the old Talc Mill park was dedicated on the Fourth of July in Johnson, right after the parade.
The ceremony, coordinated by the Johnson recreation Committee, often in the guise of Celia Cohen, was on a stage set up the far ball field The stage was the centerpiece of an inverted U, the sides being game booths, and a couple of stands for food.
Cohen spoke of the time and effort that had brought the "wouldn't it be nice" dream to fruition. Effort is a nice word for work as hard for no money as one does at a paying job. Cohen, for one, was elated and tired all at once.
Kate Peatman followed discussing the future of the park. Peatmen said she heard a lot about what "they" will do. "There is no they," Peatman said. "There is just us." That us Peatman said will create the future of the park together.
Howard Clay represented Luzenac and brought a plaque commemorating the event and congratulating them all for the accomplishment. "I came through the park three days ago,"
Clay said, "At first I was sad thinking of the loss of taxes and jobs, but then I was happy with all that has been done to build this beautiful park."Clay looked over the park with some nostalgia, remembering the mill, but the field that was once covered with tailings, now boasted grass, three ball fields, two soccer fields, and the beginnings of a playground. People looked around, many amazed at the change. what had once resembled the surface of the moon, now had children running around.
Unveiled at this dedication, were the new signs for the Old Mill Park, with a map and the rules. Some ideas for the future include bike path, skate board area, and eventually a possible ice skating spot. For those who have not yet seen the park, it is at the end of Railroad Street on the right. If you remember the spot as it was, the change is amazing.