ELDON — During tough times, especially, it can be difficult for big organizations in metropolitan locations to raise money or to find volunteers to complete specific projects.

But the folks in Eldon, and specifically the members and resident volunteers associated with Gothic Area Tourism of Eldon (GATE) have found that through hard work and persistence, their efforts in making the community a better place to live have been successful.

Take for instance the Doc Sawyer Memorial Park.

Two years ago, the park was nothing more than an empty mudhole that had recently been deeded to the city.

GATE, led by its president, Shirley Stacey, turned this ugly brown field into what Stacey says is now a “pretty place.”

Hundreds of volunteer hours, donated materials and a desire to make the little park a place where visitors can enjoy the outdoors and serenity of Eldon’s small-town charm is proof that GATE and the entire community must be doing something right.

“Our whole goal is to improve Eldon,” said Stacey.

And GATE has certainly done that. The park is just one of many projects the organization has had a helping hand in.

Eldon Mayor Dave Bowen said GATE is instrumental is how the community has changed for the better.

“I can’t say enough about [GATE]. They’ve done a great job with the new park,” he said.

Bowen said just like many communities, a tight city budget won’t always allow for beautification projects.

“Eldon has moved forward ... our people take pride in the community,” he said.

While GATE only has about 20 members (membership is $1 per year), many other volunteers have pitched in to help make projects like the park a reality.

A gazebo was recently erected on the park grounds just in time for the annual Gothic Days celebration earlier this month. Again, Stacey said, another effort by GATE members and city volunteers.

Of course, there are more projects in the works and like any organization, GATE is always looking for financial support, whether it’s an in-kind donation or a few bucks here and there from willing donors.