While the Opera House was being renovated, it was necessary for large and heavy equipment to move into Mascara Park, causing a change for the worse in the overall appearance of the park.  Main Street Elkader took upon the renovation with plans not only to restore the space but to improve it.  Since the park was already dedicated to Elkader's Sister City, Mascara, Algeria, MSE wanted to create a more fitting tribute, providing not only a beautiful "green space" for the city, but helping to reactivate these unique international relations.

Contractors are ready to begin work as soon as Spring seems to be here to stay!  They'll lay a concrete foundation for a limestone wall, water feature, and seating, and when that's complete, the volunteers will move in!  MSE will be asking for help planting the flowers and foliage and laying the brick path which will wind through the park.

MSE has applied to several organizations for grants to pay for the reconstruction, but individual contibutions are just as necessary.  To-date, most of the contributions have come through the project's "Buy-A-Brick" program, which enables the donor(s) to have one or more pathway bricks engraved with the lettering of their choice.  Persons have requested the name of a family member or a business, a memorial, or the notation of a special event.  In any of its community projects, Elkader has never settled for "good enough," and our vision for the park is no exception.  We want to point to the complete park renovation with pride and give the most positive impression possible to visitors to the city, to city hall, and to the Opera House.  People are already eager to find "their" brick when the path is installed - won't you join us?  The simple instructions are next to the form below.