In 1969, under the guidance of Dr. Charles W. Mackenbach, then president of the St. Marys Area Chamber of Commerce, permission was granted by the American Legion post to re-beautify Memorial Park. Through generous contributions from the citizens of St. Marys, $7,000.00 was raised. Markers identifying trees native to the area were placed, and Manbeck Nursery was awarded the contract for the re-beautification. Much credit for the project belongs to Miss K.C. Geiger, editor of the Evening Leader, for the paper's generous support. A grant by the Mackenbach Family was made available to perpetuate the plantings and beautification of Memorial Park.