Elkton, Ore. -- The Elkton community broke ground Wednesday on a new park, named after a long time resident of the area.

Alfred S. Tyson is the former Elkton Mayor, and he has dedicated 24 years of service to the city.

Current Mayor Rebecca Swearingen says there was no question in anyone's mind what to name the park. "Because of his dedication for the past 24 years, you just don't find people who are willing to do that these days. I mean that's a long time of community service. He just deserved it in every way shape and form."

The city received grants from the Port of Umpqua, and the state Marine Board, which was the main grant that helped Elkton buy the land. They also got a donation from the previous owners.

There will be some renovations to the site and it is expected to be complete by the end of October or early November.

"We are going to be re-surfacing and re-paving. We are going to take out all the grass back there, and put in more additional parking spaces. All the of the fixtures that are here for the RV park are going to be moved except for one, with the possibility of a maintenance care taker in the future. There are going to be picnic tables, a permanent restroom facility and landscaping."

City residents are happy to see a park built there, and they think its important to have a place to sit and enjoy the river. They also feel it's helpful for people to have a place to rest if they're traveling through the town.