For over a year, Allen Lobb, the Past President and Past Governor of the Moose Lodge #17, saw attendance at the club’s events like bingo and euchre dwindle as regulars avoided crowds. County restrictions on gatherings also hurt the income at the Lodge’s rental business. “It was a hard, hard year for us,” he admitted. But Lobb was most concerned by the chilling effect the pandemic had on the area’s young people, isolating them from outdoor activities and each other. Then he had an idea: Why not convert part of the 7-acre property into a gathering space for outdoor activities, and build a playground? For the last year, that’s exactly what he has done.
“I’m kind of a hoarder,” he admitted, “and lots of what I did, I did myself. Between donations and scavenging, we’ve kept costs down.” He’s even used his own money to make improvements. Behind the building at 7055 E. 16th St., Lobb created a stage where bands have played outside last year. A playground has been installed for kids, and he’s currently putting the finishing touches on a concession stand that used to house the filters for the pool that was filled in years ago. A wide expanse of grass is edged near the building with a new garden full of flowers. The playground is new and decked out with swings and monkey bars and slides for kids.
On May 29, the Moose Family Garden will have its grand opening at 11 a.m. with a ribbon cutting and lots of entertainment. Registration for a charity/poker ride will be at 9 a.m., as will a breakfast prepared by Chef Dan, who operates out of the Lodge kitchen. Food and drinks will be available throughout the day at the new concession stand, and full dinners will be available from 4-7 p.m. for those who have missed Chef Dan and his great food. Everyone is welcome to see the VW Car show from noon-4 p.m. on the grounds which will feature vintage VWs.
Musical guests include Steve Jeffris from 1-3 p.m., Roy Reynolds from 4-6 p.m. and Lazy Boy Rockers from 7:00-9:30 p.m.
The Moose Lodge #17 and the Beech Grove Moose Riders will have a charity/poker run from 9 a.m.-10 p.m. All money raised will go to the children of Mooseheart, a school for children and teens in need located west of Chicago. Lobb is especially proud of the donations the Lodge members have made to the school, which provides loving care for children of all ages, as well as vocational training and academic excellence. “The kids that graduate are given scholarships to go to college if they want, or training for employment.” In addition to Mooseheart, Moose Lodges also support Moosehaven in Florida, a retirement community for Moose members.
Lobb sees a lot potential of the Moose Family Gardens to help bring the community together again after pandemic for music events and other uses, but also a place for kids to come play and just be kids. “I’m really excited to see what happens.”
