Leo J. Ryan Memorial Park
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| Leo J. Ryan Memorial Park | |
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| Type | Recreational park |
| Location | Foster City, California |
| Coordinates | N 37.55856 W 122.27153 |
| Size | 20.75 acres |
| Opened | Rededicated, November 13, 2005 |
| Operated by | Foster City government |
| 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. The park was named in honor and memory of Congressman Leo J. Ryan, the first[1] and only United States Congressman to die in the line of duty. Congressman Ryan was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 1983[2][3][4].
The park is situated on 20 acres which overlook a lake[5]. 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[5]. There is a pathway that goes around the perimeter of the park, which also has ADA access[6].
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[edit] Ryan 25th anniversary memorial service
On the 25th anniversary of his death, a special memorial tribute was held in Congressman Ryan's honor in Foster City, California[7]. 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."[7] 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 childrens'.
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[7].
[edit] 2005 Rededication
After a three-year construction project, the park was rededicated on November 13, 2005[8]. Notable individuals in attendance included Congressman Ryan's two daughters, as well as Foster City council members and other members of government[8]. Jackie Speier was also in attendance[9]. 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."[9].
Phases I and II of the park's reconstruction included the relocation and construction of the amphitheater and repair and replacement of the boardwalk[10]. Phase III included the Leo Ryan Memorial Plaza and the Leo Ryan Park Meadow area as well as installation of public art, the construction of 2 Bocce Ball courts and improvements to the City boat storage area[10].
[edit] More images
More images of the park:
 Outlook on "Center Lake" |
 View of the lake from the boardwalk |
 Stilts sculpture |
 Stilts scuplture at sunset, under construction |
 Sunset at the lagoon in Ryan Park |
 Lawn at sunset |
 Looking over the Foster City lagoon towards Ryan Park and the Metro Center Tower. |
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Tom Lantos (2003-11-17). Congressman Tom Lantos' Remarks on the 25th Anniversary of the Tragedy at Jonestown and the Death of Congressman Leo Ryan. Press release. Retrieved on 2006-09-08.
- ^ 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, Nov 30, 1984 v107 pC4 col 5 (10 col in), "Leo Ryan honored. (with Medal of Honor)" Jacqueline Trescott.
- ^ The New York Times, Nov 27, 1984 v134 pA25(L) col 2 (4 col in) "Reagan to give medal for slain congressman."(Leo J. Ryan)
- ^ a b Leo J Ryan Memorial park, Foster City, California Web site.
- ^ Update on Improvements to Leo Ryan Park, Foster City, CA; September 11, 2003
- ^ a b c Tribute to congressman Leo Ryan held in Foster City, San Francisco Chronicle, November 18, 2003, Bay City News Report, retrieved 1/21/07.
- ^ a b Rededication video, produced by Foster City Television, Foster City, California, rededication of park, November 13, 2005.
- ^ a b Dedication set for Foster City's Leo J. Ryan park, Oakland Tribune, November 12, 2005 by Rebekah Gordon
- ^ a b Construction Continuing at Leo Ryan Park, Foster City, CA; June 30, 2004.
[edit] External links
- Foster City links
- Leo J Ryan Memorial park, Foster City, California Web site.
- Rededication video, produced by Foster City Television, Foster City, California, rededication of park, November 13, 2005.
- Media/Press
- Tribute to congressman Leo Ryan held in Foster City, San Francisco Chronicle, November 18, 2003
- A Jogger runs at Leo Ryan Park under overcast skies in Foster City. , Picture, San Mateo County Times, California, December 29, 2006
| Congressman Leo Joseph Ryan, Jr. |
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| Tributes |
| Leo J. Ryan Award · Leo J. Ryan Memorial Park Leo J. Ryan Federal Building |
| Published works |
| USA/From Where We Stand Understanding California Government and Politics |
| Legislation |
| Hughes-Ryan Act |
| Sister Wiki Projects |
| Public Domain documents · Media & images · Quotations |
Incorporated places
Population over 100,000: Daly City
Population 50,000 – 100,000: Redwood City (County seat) • San Mateo • South San Francisco
Population under 50,000: Atherton • Belmont • Brisbane • Burlingame • Colma • East Palo Alto • Foster City • Half Moon Bay • Hillsborough • Menlo Park • Millbrae • Pacifica • Portola Valley • San Bruno • San Carlos • Woodside
Census-designated places
Broadmoor • El Granada • Emerald Lake Hills • Highlands-Baywood Park • Montara • Moss Beach • North Fair Oaks • West Menlo Park
Other unincorporated communities
Kings Mountain • La Honda • Ladera • Loma Mar • Los Trancos Woods • Middleton Tract • San Gregorio • Sky Londa
