NEW LONDON, Minn. -- Five years after his death, a project close to the heart of a Minnesota soldier killed in Afghanistan is a reality.
Ryane Clark of New London served in the Army with a rank of SPC.
Growing up, he lost his friend, Cody Berg, who was hit by a car while biking on 187th Avenue near Glacial Lakes State Trail in 1999.
At 15-years-old, Clark decided he wanted to use his Eagle Scout project to build a parking lot near the area. Many people park their cars on the side of the road to access the trail.
"It became Ryane's dream to try and see some sort of safe parking spot for the people who wanted to use the trail out here," said Jon Lindstrand, a family friend.
Ryane's mother, Tracy Clark, said it did not happen when her son was in high school but that he continued to pursue it while serving in Afghanistan.
"When he called home he would keep asking, 'Where are we at with this?'" said Tracy Clark.
Clark was killed in action in Afghanistan on October 4, 2010.
His parents, Tracy and Rick Clark, then took over their son's dream. It finally gained momentum last year when the Clarks met with legislators at the Minnesota State Capitol.
On Sunday afternoon, a dedication took place for the SPC Ryane Clark Memorial Park at 187th Avenue NE and Riverview Lane near Glacial Lakes State Trail.
Besides a parking lot, the park has three flag poles and a bench. A sculpture of Ryane will be installed in 2016, as well as a memorial stone with Ryane and Cody Berg's story.
"I hope this is what he was thinking of because this is amazing," said Tracy Clark.
During the ceremony, Rick Clark said, " It started as a dream and today all of you are a part of that dream."
A Ryane Clark Memorial account is set up at United MN Bank in New London. Funds can also be sent to Ryane Clark Memorial, PO Box 122, New London, Minn. 56273.
The Ryane Clark Parking Area is a cooperative project between the Clark family, city of New London and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
After the ceremony, Tracy said about her son, "He never lost sight of this one. Never lost sight."
