Jon
NEW FRANKLIN — City officials and community members gathered Sept. 7 for a dedication ceremony and ribbon cutting at a new pavilion at Sisler Park. The Larry “Gramps” Rea Pavilion, named in honor of resident, community volunteer and New Franklin Parks Commission member Larry Rea, will serve as a shelter and picnic area for the community, especially the baseball, softball and soccer teams that play on the adjacent fields. The pavilion and sign, shown at right with Mayor Paul Adamson at left and Rea at right, was a surprise to Rea and his wife, Carol, according to officials. Adamson noted Larry Rea has been the go-to community volunteer for anything needing built or repaired. “Anytime something needed done or we needed a specialized tool, someone would say, ‘Go ask Gramps.’ He has poured his heart and soul into this community. He would never want this honor, but he truly deserves it.”