A small grass fire sparked by a golf ball didn’t stop a big announcement ceremony at Skiatook Lake.
Fire investigators say a golf ball hit a rock which ignited a small grass fire at the Tall Chief Cove area of the lake. Fire fighters got the fire under control and organizers moved the event to the CrossTimbers Marina. The developer of CrossTimbers, Ron Howell, along with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Folds of Honor Foundation partnered to create a place of healing and relaxation for those who serve our country.
The getaway spot will be called the Patriot Cottage and is scheduled to open Memorial Day 2013.
“We are real excited about this and that families will have a place out here on the lake to come and use for recreational purposes,” said Howell.
The cottage will be built along the banks of Skiatook Lake and will be available as a year round getaway for wounded veterans and their families. Howell hopes the cottage will allow families to relax and feel rejuvenated after spending a few days fishing and boating by the water.
“It will be for the exclusive, permanent use of the veterans through the recommendation of the Folds of Honor,” said Howell.
Folds of Honor is a non-profit organization that provides scholarships and other assistance to the spouses and children of soldiers killed or disabled while serving their country.
Susan Erler, with the Folds of Honor Foundation, said one of the most important aspects of the cottage is to provide families with quality time together.
“Being around the water is just a natural healing and they need a place where they are taken care of,” Susan said.
Colonel Michael Teague is the commander of the Tulsa District of the Corps of Engineers and says he is thrilled about the partnership between the multiple agencies and the opportunity it will provide service men and women of Oklahoma.
“I think it is just an extension of what everybody is trying to do and that is just trying to take care of soldiers,” said Colonel Teague.
CrossTimbers says the 650 square foot cottage will be funded through private donations. The ground breaking will take place on Veterans Day.
