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Happy trail
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Past and present members of the Canfield Park, Recreation and Cemetery Board honored Benge Holz by dedicating a walking trail in her name at Fair Park Sept. 24.
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Benge Holz proudly stood by the new sign designating a walking trail at Fair Park as the Benge W. Holz Red Trail.
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An emotional Benge Holz (left) was surprised with the dedication of a walking trail in her name at Fair Park. Marleen Belfiore, a member of the Canfield Park, Recreation and Cemetery Board and Canfield City Council, and Mark Eddy, chairman of the board, presented the plaque to Holz.
By ABBY SLANKER
It was a reunion of sorts as friends, neighbors, past and present members of the Canfield Park, Recreation and Cemetery Board gathered at Fair Park Sept. 24 to honor former Canfield resident Benge Holz.
Holz recently retired from the board after 26 years of service.
According to Nancy Brundage, secretary of the Canfield Park, Recreation and Cemetery Board, the gathering was not a surprise for Holz, but the purpose of the gathering was.
The board organized the event to dedicate a walking trail to Holz as a thank you for her work and dedication to Fair Park. The Red Trail was renamed and dedicated as the Benge W. Holz Red Trail.
According to Mark Eddy, chairman of the Canfield Park, Recreation and Cemetery Board, Fair Park was Holz’s pet project for years.
“Fair Park was Benge’s baby. She looked after the park and always wanted the best for the park. It was her pet project. She is a true volunteer,” Eddy said.
An emotional Holz was overwhelmed to have a trail dedicated in her name. She thanked everyone involved.
Marleen Belfiore, a member of the board and Canfield City Council, presented Holz with a plaque with her name on it that will be displayed at the start of the trail. Belfiore also presented Holz with a pin to the City of Canfield.
Eddy added that the city had worked hard to improve and open up the walking trails at Fair Park, on behalf of Holz, and an improved sign was posted with all the trails available at the park with mileage information for each trail.
After the ceremony, everyone was invited to the Fair Park pavilion to enjoy cider and cookies and to take some time to visit and catch up with Holz and old friends.