The City of Bedford had the official dedication of Zolata Park Tuesday (6/12/18) morning. While the park was completed last year, this was the official ceremony acknowledging the name of the new park as Zolata Park to honor former councilpeople, Andrew and Marilyn Zolata. Both Andrew and Marilyn served many years as Ward 3 councilpeople.
Tiburski Family Plaque
Zolata Park is located at the corner of Broadway Avenue and Mitchell Drive and was gifted to the City of Bedford by the Tiburski Family.
Marilyn Zolata was in attendance with many of her family. The commemoration was attended by many city employees as well as Mayor Stan Koci, Councilwoman Sandy Spinks (1), Councilwoman Heather Rhoades (5) and Councilwoman Paula Mizsak (6).
Marilyn Zolata was visibly touched by the gesture from the city, and Koci spoke at length about all of the service that Mrs. Zolata and her late husband gave to the residents of Ward 3 and the City of Bedford. He also said that this was a street she walked every day and now it was a place that she could stop and rest. Mike Mallis, Bedford city manager, also spoke about Mrs. Zolata’s dedication to the city and that the park was a fitting tribute to her and her husband’s time given in service to the residents of Bedford.
Marilyn responded by saying of the new park, “It’s part of us. It is part if our city. It is part of our ward. This place used to be a place filled with trash and now it is a place we can all enjoy.”
The new Zolata park features several benches, new tree plantings and a small wildflower meadow. There are also two plaques next to the benches that commemorate both the Tiburski Family and Andrew and Marylin Zolata.
