New park opening Saturday in Eugene


A Eugene couple's legacy is bringing a touch of positivity to the unincorporated community.

Birdno Memorial Park, located two blocks off Missouri 17 at the corner of North and Market streets, will officially open Saturday with a community event emceed by lifelong resident Johnnie Porter.

"John and Shirley Birdno moved to Eugene in 2004, and in 2010, Shirley told John she wanted him to build a park for kids," Porter said. "They decided to build the park on a half-block of property which had become and eye-sore with weeds and grass growing unkempt."

The property now has fruit trees and playground equipment including a swing set, slide and sand box. Porter said the Birdno family has paid for all of this and would like to eventually put up a pavilion on the site.

"Both John and Shirley have passed on, but they and their family want to dedicate this park to the town and its residents," Porter said.

A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at the park at 4 p.m. Saturday. The family will be in attendance, and donations will be taken to help fund further improvements at the park. There will also be a barbecue.

"When the Birdnos came to town it was a big lift," Porter said. "The county just repaved the streets and they look great, but other than the Christian Church, everything else like stores and the school have all moved out towards U.S. 54.