On July 4, 1884, the Statue of Liberty was presented to America by the people of France as a gift of international friendship and became one of the most universal symbols of freedom and democracy. Liberty Park incorporates many of the same metaphoric ideals as Lady Liberty and stands above all as a monument to friendship and community. Its creation began when a few Parkland residents believed a community-built park would catalyze worthwhile community interactions, and over more than four years that idea progressed through planning and fundraising to completion. On February 10, 2001, the first support pile was placed in the ground at this site, and during seven additional days, Parkland residents, corporations, and many others contributed thousands of work hours. The effort began with an idea and ended with a strong sense of community, friendship, and achievement.