$52,000 donated for park honoring fallen soldier.

• Position: LOCAL NEWS

Byline: Karen Nugent

LEOMINSTER - Plans for a park in memory of fallen soldier Army Pfc. Jonathan R. Roberge got a boost over the weekend.

A $52,000 donation was presented to the park committee by F-Troop, a community-based charitable organization of motorcycle enthusiasts, including members of the city's public works and fire departments and police union, at a fundraiser Saturday night at the Knights of Columbus Hall.

David G. Nault, a neighbor of the Roberge family and a project volunteer, said the money was raised through a raffle for a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The winning ticket was drawn at the recent Johnny Appleseed Festival in downtown Leominster.

"The money is really going to get the project off the ground," Mr. Nault said.

The park for Pfc. Roberge, a Leominster native killed in Iraq two and a half years ago at age 22, will be built on city land off Mechanic Street and Johnny Appleseed Lane, near the family home. Plans include placing a decommissioned tank on the one-acre parcel, along with benches, a canoe launch on the Nashua River, and possibly a fountain, gazebo and a small playground.

Mr. Nault, a former city councilor, said a meeting is planned for 7 a.m. today

to discuss design plans with the Conservation Commission and other city officials.

If all goes well, work will start before winter with the construction...