A generous gift in memory of Paul & Marvel Pryor has been made to fund the construction and furnishings for a Pavilion to be placed at Memorial Park.
Plans for a Shelter at Memorial Park
The Park and Recreation Commissions master plan lists a shelter at Memorial Park as a high priority. The City of Redwood Falls will now be able to make this plan a reality because of the generous donation of the Paul & Marvel Pryor Family. The Pryor Pavilion is planned to be built to the south of the Aquatic Center (in between the pool and baseball field). Ample parking and ease of access encouraged us to select this site at Memorial Park. The Parks and Recreation Department will be able to add this pavilion to their list of shelters available for rent during the summer months.
About the Pryor Family
Dedicated to Paul and Marvel Pryor by their five children who lived and played at the Memorial Park athletic field for more than 60 years. Paul and Marvel were committed to their community. Paul started his career as the City Clerk/Treasurer for the City of Redwood Falls, and was instrumental in the continuous development of the community. He joined the Redwood Falls Savings and Loans, now the HomeTown Bank in 1966, where he served as President/CEO and Director until his retirement in 2002.
Paul believed that "everyone deserved a home and a good job," he spent his career helping to provide those to the citizens of Redwood Falls, his beloved hometown, and the surrounding area. Paul was active in many community and development organizations where he loved partnering with community leaders.
Marvel was a fifth-grade teacher early in her career, and she enjoyed 17 years of service as a charter employee of the Redwood Falls Hospital Adult Daycare department. She was an active community volunteer. Paul and Marvel were lifetime members of St. Catherine's Catholic Church.
Construction is Underway
During the fall of 2021, the family of Paul & Marvel Pryor approached the Parks & Recreation Department stating the family wanted to fully fund a pavilion at Memorial Park. Due to the lack of contractors as well as the high cost of building materials, the family was encouraged to delay the construction of the shelter. This past fall, the family reconvened and started putting plans together for the project.
Construction has begun and, if the weather continues to hold out, is expected to be completed in 2023.
