Kloss Park
SIZE	17 Acres
LOCATION	6501 Laguna Park Drive (north of), Next to Foulks Ranch Elementary School, West of Rancho Laguna Drive, South of Del Sol Way (LAGUNA)
PARK FEATURES	Open Play Area Soccer Field Softball Field Youth Baseball Field Jogging/Bike Trail Horseshoe Pits Shade Structure Picnic Area/Tables Barbecue Restrooms
COMPLETED	1990
BIOGRAPHY	E. Henry Kloss was born in the summer of 1913 on the Kloss family farm in Franklin. He grew up in overalls - watching crops grow and be harvested, and drinking fresh milk from their cows. He attended Franklin Elementary and then became one of the "thundering herd" of Elk Grove High. Sports and acting were his first loves, until he met a cheerleader from Courtland High, a rival high school. Her name was Margit Olson. Margit and Henry finished high school and began a long courtship that ended in a wedding ceremony on Christmas Eve 1936. Henry brought his bride home to the family farm. He milked the cows, and Margit raised calves and kids. She gave birth to two sons, Lynn and Jarret. The boys learned at a young age about work and service. They pitched hay bales, did early morning milking and worked beside their parents to meet the demands of the farm. By watching their parents, they also learned that work and service extended beyond the boundaries of their land. In 1941, Henry became a trustee for the Elk Grove Unified School District, a position he would hold for 21 years. He also served as president of the Sacramento County School Boards Association. Margit became involved with the children's elementary school, and served as president of the Franklin Parent's Club. She also became a club leader for the Franklin 4-H, a service she continued for 33 years. During the war years of 1942-1946, Margit opened a canteen in Elk Grove and worked on housing for the Elk Grove Chapter of Sacramento Red Cross Emergency. During this time, she was also active in the women's organizations of the Royal Neighbors and Eastern Star. In 1962, a friend persuaded Henry to run for the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors. Henry's sense of humor and honesty was just what the residents of the sprawling, rural 5th district needed. He was elected four times, and served a total of 16 years. Henry also participated in the Elk Grove Lions, Rotary and Grange as well as the Sacramento Scottish Rite Bodies, and Ben Ali Temple of the Shrine. He was instrumental in expanding and improving facilities in Elk Grove County Park, including the softball complex which is named for him. In 1977, Elk Grove named Henry Citizen of the Year. Eight years later, Margit was chosen as the 1985 Elk Grove Citizen of the Year. With the children grown, she found time to serve tirelessly in organizations such as Elk Grove Grange, Native Daughters, Elk Grove Historical Society and the Elk Grove Garden Club. In 1972 she began organizing monthly chartered bus trips to Lake Tahoe. All Proceeds were distributed among Elk Grove organizations. From 1983-1988 she served as a member of the Elk Grove Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
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