GRAND LAKE – Lakefront Park has been rededicated as “Stover Lakefront Park,” named after the late Gene Stover, who served as mayor of the town for 20 years, 1984 to 2004.

As a tribute to Stover, a decorated Vietnam War veteran, town officials unveiled a new sign on Memorial Day at the lakefront, created by Stover’s longtime friend, artist Steve Cormey.

Mayor Judy Burke spoke on behalf of the town about Stover’s service during his leadership.

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Among his contributions as mayor, Stover helped in the 1980s to turn away the prospect of gambling in Grand Lake for the interest of protecting the town’s small-town atmosphere; he helped to negotiate the arrival of natural gas and cable to the area; and he saw to it the town’s main streets were paved.

“Gene was obviously so instrumental in town,” said present-day Grand Lake Town Manager Shane Hale.

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One of Stover’s accomplishments in 2008 was helping to negotiate a land trade with the Grand Lake Yacht Club, which created additional land for the town’s lakefront parking area and park.

Under Stover’s reign, the town’s lakefront area was transformed from an underdeveloped dirt area to a beautified park and beachfront.

“Lakefront Park is such a popular amenity. It seemed fitting to dedicate it to him,” Hale said.

Stover died from health complications on Oct. 4, 2010.

– Tonya Bina can be reached at 970-887-3334 ext.19603