Our Story

The Bulldog Community Park Board was born from a simple but powerful belief shared by David and Sylvia Mann: that a community thrives when its people take care of the places where they gather, play, and grow. In July 2025, after years of watching families fill the park with laughter and life, they felt a deep responsibility to give something back. They saw the park not just as a patch of land, but as the heartbeat of Clyde, a place where childhood memories are made, where neighbors become friends, and where the spirit of the town shows itself in everyday moments.

David and Sylvia knew that improving the park would uplift the entire community. Their first focus was the splash pad, a place that should have been a favorite spot for local kids but was unusable due to the need of a modern recirculation system to make it safer, more efficient, and more sustainable. Their commitment ran so deep that they donated $10,000 of their own money to launch the effort. That personal sacrifice set the tone for everything that followed: a mission rooted in generosity, stewardship, and love for the people of Clyde.

As word spread, others stepped forward. Community members who shared the Manns’ passion joined together to form what would become the Bulldog Community Park Board. Each person brought their own strengths, some with organizational skills, some with fundraising experience, some with deep local roots, but all with the same desire to protect and improve a place that mattered to everyone. This group quickly became more than a board; it became a team of neighbors united by purpose.

One of the board’s earliest and most meaningful accomplishments was working with the City of Clyde to rename the park. Through a strong, collaborative partnership with city leadership, the board helped transition the name from Clyde City Park to Bulldog Community Park. This change wasn’t just symbolic it tied the park directly to the pride of the school district, the students, and the families who rally behind the Bulldog spirit. It created a sense of ownership and identity that resonated across generations.

With momentum building and community support growing, the board moved forward to formalize its mission. Soon after, the Bulldog Community Park Board achieved 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, opening the door for broader fundraising, grants, and long‑term planning that would ensure the park’s future for years to come.

Since then, the board has poured its energy into bringing people together. Bingo nights, raffles, street dances, and other community events have not only raised essential funds but also rekindled the sense of togetherness that makes small towns special. Local businesses have stepped up with donations and sponsorships, and residents have given generously — whether through financial contributions, volunteer hours, or simply showing up to support the cause.

What began as two people wanting to make a difference has grown into a community‑wide movement to preserve and enhance Bulldog Community Park. Guided by its founders’ vision and strengthened by the dedication of its board members, the park board continues to champion improvements that reflect the pride, resilience, and heart of Clyde.