Syverson Park

By Ellen Pederson

Ole Syverson (Kankerud) was born in Faaberg, Gulbrandsdal, Norway on Oct. 15, 1808. He married Marthe Pedersdaughter Mellenborg on November 12, 1835. Ole and family came to America in March, 1849. They boarded the ship Preciosa and arrived in New York 11 weeks later.

On the way to Coon Prairie Ole needed to find shelter under a tree while Marthe gave birth to their sixth child. When they arrived at Coon Prairie, Ole purchased 40 acres of land and began farming. This land was to become the village of Westby, including the area where the present ball diamond, football field, swimming pool and Syverson Park are located.

Two of Ole’s sons Anton and Simon, bought land from their father in 1881 and settled in Westby. Then there were only 14 dwellings that existed in the village.

In 1962, Simon’s son, Melvin, worked out an agreement with the city of Westby for $2,400, giving the one acre of land as a park, to be known as Syverson Park. The park was dedicated in 1976. The city placed a monument at the entrance to the park with an inscription that read: ‘American Revolution Bicentennial 1776-1976. In memory of the Ole Syverson family, who were among the first settlers of Westby in 1849.’

The park became a winter-use area. There were two ski jumps on the hill. When the “Big” jump was built in Timber Coulee, the jumps in Westby became the Junior Ski Hill. These jumps eventually had to be torn down because of deteriorating wood. In the years to follow, Syverson Park grew up in weeds and became a wasteland.

Today the park is receiving new life, thanks to a group of concerned citizens, the city of Westby and a member of the Eagle Boy Scouts. Much has been accomplished since this project began in 1997 and much more will be accomplished in the years to come.

If Ole Syverson were to be standing in the park today he would probably have this to say “Bra gjort!” “A job well done!”