CSD Logo Van Doren Park
SIZE 1.1 Acres
LOCATION 9100 Neponset Drive (south of), West of Colliston Drive, Next to Elk Grove Elementary School (CAMDEN PARK, WATERMAN, PARK VILLAGE)
PARK FEATURES
  • Play Area
  • Playground Equipment
COMPLETED 1991
BIOGRAPHY Van Doren Park is named after Merle B. Van Doren and his son Robert. Merle was born in Minnesota and came to Elk Grove in 1920, two years after he married his wife, Hattie. With his father-in-law, Van Doren began a general merchandise store on Elk Grove Blvd. Merle was a friendly man and active in several community organizations. He served on the Elk Grove Fire District Board of Directors, which was his major contribution to the community. He had 3 children (Wilma, Bob and Ruth) and 10 grandchildren.

Robert attended Elk Grove Elementary and graduated from Elk Grove High School in 1945. He was a Merchant Marine, postal carrier, and insurance man. Robert was involved in the Elk Grove Firemanās Association and was a member of the Elk Grove Fire District Board of Directors (later renamed Elk Grove Community Services District) from 1969 to 1989. Robert is a Charter member of the Elk Grove Rotary Club, where he served as secretary for 7 years, and was involved in Masonic Lodge #173.
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