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From: "Jack O'Connor" <>
Subject: [PACAMBRI] Mike McGuire Park in Loretto
Date: Tue, 18 Mar 2008 07:41:51 -0400


Sunday's Tribune



St. Francis moving on campus park plans

BY KELLY URBAN
The Tribune-Democrat

LORETTO — If all goes according to plan, a new public park soon will be on the campus of St. Francis University.

Although planning still is in the early phases, the park is expected to be named in honor of Michael McGuire, an early settler to Cambria County.

“We are in the process of forming a committee with local community members and faculty, administration and students from St. Francis,” said Gabriel Kapfhammer, a graduate assistant in the president’s office and a planning and development organizer.

The university plans to break ground for the park sometime in the fall, and it will be located on the edge of campus close to the water treatment plant.

Not a lot is known about McGuire. He settled in Loretto on land given to him by George Washington, land known as McGuire’s Settlement.

“Many people don’t even know (McGuire) existed, so we thought it would be perfect to have a park in his honor and as a way to learn about the area’s history,” Kapfhammer said.

The park not only will benefit the children in the area, but also the university students, Kapfhammer said.

“We are putting together a survey and sending it to people in Loretto and the surrounding areas and students to see what they would like in the park,” Kapfhammer said.

Current committee members also paid a visit to St. Michael’s School and asked the pupils for input on equipment.

“We want as much input as possible,” Kapfhammer said.

Ideas include having fitness equipment, a children’s playground, a pavilion that could potentially be used as a music venue site and a cook-out area.

“We’d also like to have trails that can connect to the Ghost Town Trail,” Kapfhammer said.

“We are more than willing to hear ideas because we want people to be satisfied with what goes into this park.”

So far, descendants of McGuire have pledged $100,000 to the project, although Kapfhammer isn’t sure how much money will be needed until plans are finalized.

To offer ideas or donate funds to the park project, contact Kapfhammer at 472-2752 or email gabrielkapfhammer@ gmail.com.


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