Leo J. Ryan Memorial Park
Encyclopedia
Leo J. Ryan Memorial Park is a recreational city park, located in Foster City, California
and run by the city government and local citizens. Originally called simply "Central Park", the park was named in honor and memory of Congressman Leo J. Ryan
, the first and only United States Congress
man to die in the line of duty. Congressman Ryan was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 1983.
The park is situated on 20 acres (8 ha) which overlook Foster City's lagoon. 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. There is a pathway that goes around the perimeter of the park, which also has ADA access
.
In 2003, on the 25th anniversary of his death, a special memorial tribute was held in Congressman Ryan's honor in Foster City, California
. 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." 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 children's.
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.
After a three-year construction project, the park was rededicated on November 13, 2005. Notable individuals in attendance included Congressman Ryan's two daughters, as well as Foster City council members and other members of government. Jackie Speier
was also in attendance. 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."
Phases I and II of the park's reconstruction included the relocation and construction of the amphitheater and repair and replacement of the boardwalk. Phase III included the Leo Ryan Memorial Plaza, the Leo Ryan Park Meadow area and installation of public art, the construction of two Bocce Ball courts and improvements to the City boat storage area.
Foster City, California
Foster City is an affluent planned city located in San Mateo County, California, 94404. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 30,567. Forbes ranked Foster City #10 on their 2009 list of America's Top 25 Towns to Live Well. Money has also recognized Foster City multiple times as...
and run by the city government and local citizens. Originally called simply "Central Park", the park was named in honor and memory of Congressman Leo J. Ryan
Leo Ryan
Leo Joseph Ryan, Jr. was an American politician of the Democratic Party. He served as a U.S. Representative from California's 11th congressional district from 1973 until he was murdered in Guyana by members of the Peoples Temple shortly before the Jonestown Massacre in 1978.After the Watts Riots...
, the first and only United States Congress
United States Congress
The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the federal government of the United States, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Congress meets in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C....
man to die in the line of duty. Congressman Ryan was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 1983.
The park is situated on 20 acres (8 ha) which overlook Foster City's lagoon. 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. There is a pathway that goes around the perimeter of the park, which also has ADA access
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is a law that was enacted by the U.S. Congress in 1990. It was signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H. W. Bush, and later amended with changes effective January 1, 2009....
.
Ryan 25th anniversary memorial service
Foster City, California
Foster City is an affluent planned city located in San Mateo County, California, 94404. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 30,567. Forbes ranked Foster City #10 on their 2009 list of America's Top 25 Towns to Live Well. Money has also recognized Foster City multiple times as...
. Ryan's family and friends including California State Senator Jackie Speier
Jackie Speier
Karen Lorraine Jacqueline "Jackie" Speier is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 2008. She is a member of the Democratic Party. The district includes the northern two-thirds of San Mateo County and the southwest quarter of San Francisco.She is also a former member of the California State...
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." 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 children's.
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.
2005 rededication
Jackie Speier
Karen Lorraine Jacqueline "Jackie" Speier is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 2008. She is a member of the Democratic Party. The district includes the northern two-thirds of San Mateo County and the southwest quarter of San Francisco.She is also a former member of the California State...
was also in attendance. 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."
Phases I and II of the park's reconstruction included the relocation and construction of the amphitheater and repair and replacement of the boardwalk. Phase III included the Leo Ryan Memorial Plaza, the Leo Ryan Park Meadow area and installation of public art, the construction of two Bocce Ball courts and improvements to the City boat storage area.
See also
- Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is a law that was enacted by the U.S. Congress in 1990. It was signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H. W. Bush, and later amended with changes effective January 1, 2009....
- Leo J. Ryan AwardLeo J. Ryan AwardThe Leo J. Ryan Award was established by the Leo J. Ryan Education Foundation in honor of Congressman Leo J. Ryan; the only United States Congressman to be killed in the line of duty. He was assassinated in Guyana, while investigating Jonestown and The Peoples Temple. Ryan was posthumously awarded...
External links
- Leo J Ryan Memorial park, Foster City, CaliforniaFoster City, CaliforniaFoster City is an affluent planned city located in San Mateo County, California, 94404. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 30,567. Forbes ranked Foster City #10 on their 2009 list of America's Top 25 Towns to Live Well. Money has also recognized Foster City multiple times as...
Web site. - Rededication video, produced by Foster City Television, Foster City, CaliforniaFoster City, CaliforniaFoster City is an affluent planned city located in San Mateo County, California, 94404. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 30,567. Forbes ranked Foster City #10 on their 2009 list of America's Top 25 Towns to Live Well. Money has also recognized Foster City multiple times as...
, rededication of park, November 13, 2005. - Tribute to congressman Leo Ryan held in Foster City, San Francisco ChronicleSan Francisco Chroniclethumb|right|upright|The Chronicle Building following the [[1906 San Francisco earthquake|1906 earthquake]] and fireThe San Francisco Chronicle is a newspaper serving primarily the San Francisco Bay Area of the U.S. state of California, but distributed throughout Northern and Central California,...
, November 18, 2003