We are a small church with about 40 in attendance. Most of us were born last century. However, we think young. Our vision was more than just to keep the lights burning. However, the thought of seeing the Tanque Verde Church Park become a reality seemed like a dream that would remain unfulfilled in our lifetime.
But things changed. The new junior high school next door with 350 students was in need of additional room for physical education classes and sports programs. We had already shared our parking lot during the week. Perhaps, we could share the desert lot.
I am not sure who expressed the possibility first. The plan to work with the school district soon came to be. A meeting was called with the superintendent, whose office is also next door, and the church board members. A landscape architect was called in by the school administration to draw up a plan for the development of the park. It all seemed like a go. The only possible glitch in the plan was addressed by the district. The property would always belong to the church, but made use of by both parties. The agreement will be reviewed every five years with the probable renewal for at least ten years. That seemed good to us.
The decision was made to pursue the project and workers from the community came with tractors, bulldozers, and ready hands to clear the area. Who would have guessed that the field needed to be lowered by about four feet on one end to achieve adequate drainage? It all happened. A local contractor brought in his equipment and "leveled the playing field," if you know what I mean.
The agreement was that the school would pay for all the improvements with the exception of those that are church-specific. They agreed to put in the lawn, plantings, irrigation, and electricity. This also included a walking track around the field about 1/6th 
of a mile in length. They agreed to maintain the area including the irrigation and mowing of the field and fence around the area. There is a plan to add a permanent grass volleyball court. Hopefully, that will be completed this spring. Basically, we provided the land and the school district did the upgrades.
In addition, we have added a commercial swing set, six redwood picnic tables that our men built, and a 12'X24' band stand which our men also built. I think all are impressed by how it turned out. Our vision is to have outdoor concerts and movies in the park as the weather permits.
Sunday, November 3, 2013, we had "Church in the Park" for the grand opening. We invited the community to the celebration. The Bost Family Traditions (bluegrass band) and our own Johnny Wilson provided the music. We had a dozen or so vintage cars on display in the adjacent parking area. There were some tough sets of wheels included. One of our own men brought his "professional" barbecue trailer and provided the lunch. Our ladies added salads and desserts.
To be sure, the park is a work in progress. There is always more to do. However, we believe that God has given us this resource to use in reaching this community with His good news of Jesus Christ. We have started a REFRESH program for kids that meets each Wednesday afternoon. We offer snacks, Bible study and sports. Our great need now is for some young excited people who love Jesus and sports to help us develop programs that will interest families in this community through the means of athletics.
Our church building has been here since 1939. My prayer for this church is that its best days are ahead. Please pray with us for the necessary wisdom, guidance and leadership to see this project become a valuable resource for serving Jesus Christ until He returns.
