Development of the new Legends Bank pocket park on the Square in Linn is taking shape, with much of the groundwork and utilities completed, and a new gazebo in place. An idea for the development of the 100 feet by 100 feet parcel first bloomed about 25 years ago, though at the time, the concept served another purpose.

“My father used to lament the demise of the Square,” said Legends Bank CEO and Board Chairman John A. Klebba of John H. Klebba. “It wasn’t maintained very well, and the buildings were falling down. He talked about it all the time, and felt we needed something better for this area of town.”

Even then, there was a fear that the bank’s limited space would require expansion — now taking place to the east of the building on Main Street — and options had to be considered.

“We have been in this location since 1936, and we only had a couple options for growth,” said Klebba. “We could go up, or maybe to the east, but we didn’t know if the Linn Printing building would be available, or we could develop an auxiliary building somewhere else.”

The lots across the street was an obvious answer, and plans began to form regarding the acquisition of the three parcels. “The idea was that we could buy the lots and tear down the old buildings,” said Klebba, noting there was a vacant lot across from what he called the old “theater,” a pawn shop, and a building that over the years had housed several bars. “We managed to purchase all three lots simultaneously, and proceeded to clean up that end of the Square.”

About eight years ago, the last of the buildings was razed, and a green space was created.

“We just held onto the land, waiting to see what we might need,” said Klebba. “Once Linn Printing was purchased, and we made our plans to expand to the east, we obviously had no need for those lots in terms of an auxiliary building.”

Instead, the idea of developing a pocket park began to coalesce, and Klebba asked Shelley Klebba and Mary Ann Gelven to have a design drawn up, and ideas sparked from there.

After reviewing bids, Legends Bank chose Haslag Landscaping of Centertown and proceeded with ordering of materials to be included in the design. Owner Nick Haslag, who has ties to Osage County, said he is pleased to be working on this project.

“We do a lot of work here in the county, and know a lot of people,” said Haslag, who is a graduate of State Tech. “I appreciate having the opportunity to develop a nice park here.”

The project began Monday, May 18, and will be completed soon.

“This started off as a relatively small project, but it’s grown,” said John A. Klebba.

A new walkway from Main Street to the north on a diagonal meets with a gazebo, which will be available for many uses, and the park will add a counterpoint to the business-oriented Square.

“We are looking forward to having it available for the community to use,” said Shelley Klebba, adding the words that come to mind with the development of the park are community betterment.

John A. Klebba added that while the park is privately held, it is his hope that people will make use of it. “This will be perfect for people who want to eat their lunch at the gazebo, or take pictures, or whatever,” he said. “But since it’s a private park, we do reserve veto powers should something inappropriate take place there.”

He added that this project is important to Legends Bank for several reasons. “We have been here in this location for a long time, and we’re going to be here for a long time to come,” Klebba said. “This is another way we can contribute back to our community, and thank everyone for their continued business. It also helps to improve the aesthetics of the Square.”

While there is no exact timeline for completion of the park, Klebba said he expects further landscaping design and implementation to take a couple months.