Arkansas City couple donates bench made by son to Veteran’s Memorial Lake

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. (KSNW) — Arkansas City couple Joe and Nel Clark donated a bench made by their son Craig Clark to Veteran’s Memorial Lake, 1400 S. 6th St.

Joe and Nel moved to Lake View Estates from their farm south of the city. Arkansas City says they found a warm welcome among new friends and the serene surrounds of Veteran’s Memorial Lake there.

“I prayed so hard that we’d get good neighbors here,” said Nel. “And we did. We walk around the lake every day. People are friendly, and we meet new people daily. We also get to feed the ducks — I’ve named these two Mac and Moe.”

The two are passionate about the outdoors and enjoy taking walks around the lake. In doing so, the city says they were inspired to contribute a bench so that they, along with others, could rest and enjoy the scenery.

When Joe went to buy a bench, he was surprised by the price.

“They told me it was going to cost $3,000,” Joe said.

That is when Joe and Nel got help from Craig, one of their five kids. The couple has 15 grandkids.

Craig was able to use his skills to weld a frame and add wooden slats to create a bench.

“He’s quite handy,” said Joe proudly.

After the bench was completed, it was delivered to the Arkansas City Public Service Department, where crews set it in cement in a spot that Joe and Nel chose.

“It’s positioned at an angle for a great view of the lake under the shade,” Joe said.

The two let everyone know their son made it.

They celebrate their 60th anniversary in April.

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