Northeast neighborhoods celebrated Earth Day over the weekend. (Photos by Melissa Slachetka)

By Melissa Slachetka
Northeast Beat Contributor

The park is small and nestled between Gabby’s Saloon and the Sample Room; two eateries over-looking the Mississippi River. Early morning gray skies didn’t diminish the enthusiasm of Northeast residents participating in Earth Day events.

“The park opens in October,” said Chris Gams, who is working at the event for the Bottineau Neighborhood Association. He wore a florescent orange vest and supervised as the last of the runners cross the finish line. Gams said the top two feet of soil was removed from Gluek Park, as well as some smaller dedication trees. The trees are to be replanted before the park opens. “You can’t go in yet,” he said, “but the park is safe.”

The soil shows evidence of the asbestos removal with large bare sections waiting for new grass to grow. Along with the replanting, the park will boast a new design. Earth Day brings new beginnings to this neighborhood park.

As if in agreement, a wild goose perched on the slopping bank of the park. It seemed to enjoy the quiet solitude.

Gluek Park was named for Arthur Gluek, who donated $25,000 to have a park named after him. Gluek died in 1990, the park was finished in 1994, and officially designated Gluek Riverside Park in 1995. No one realized at the time that the park was contaminated with asbestos.

In the 1960’s Western Minerals Products, an insulation plant in Logan Park, gave away backfill, which was later learned to contain asbestos. This backfill was used in the park. Along with the park, about 260 yards required clean-up, since backfill was commonly used in driveways and other areas of resident’s property. The contamination was discovered and Gluek Park has been closed since 2003.

The clean-up operation has cost $2.3 million and lasted two years, but it’s come in below budget. With the help of the Northeast community, the future looks bright for Gluek Park.

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Filed under: Bottineau, Environment, Parks