WATERLOO -- Memorials to the dead are erected for the comfort and benefit of the living. Rick and Cathy Young want a memorial to their son, Mark Young, to benefit as many people as possible.

The couple began their effort to build a downtown park in his memory shortly after he died in a motorcycle accident in March 2003. A park will spread joy in his name and ensure his name lives on, Cathy Young said.

"The biggest fear a mom can have is to think people will forget her child ever existed," she said.

On Monday the Black Hawk County Gaming Association brought the Young family's dream a step closer to reality with a pledge of more than $800,000 over the next year toward Mark's Park and amphitheater. A park memorial is fitting for Mark's memory, family members said.

"Mark loved to smile, and we want other kids in the community to smile," said Travis Young, Mark's brother.

The Young family businesses have heated, cooled and developed homes locally over several generations.

The family made the principal gift toward the construction of Young Arena, which opened in 1994.

The proposed park is a component of the Cedar Valley River Renaissance. It will include splash pads and an large area for kids to play -- something Rick Young noted downtown lacks.

"There aren't any playgrounds downtown," he said.

"It gives children who are least likely to have transportation a place to play," said Cathy Young.

The park, which will be between the Cedar River downtown and the Youth Pavilion at the Waterloo Center for the Arts, is part of the $8 million Cedar Valley River Renaissance project. While the Young Foundation was able to raise funds to build a playground, other parts of the plan, including landscaping along the river, are beyond what they can afford. Portions of a Vision Iowa grant will also help fund the plan, and the BHCGA grant provides the last piece of the puzzle.

The Youngs said they were ecstatic about the award and city leaders also praised what they see as a commitment to downtown redevelopment.

"They see that we've got the desire to make this a first-class venue," said Mayor Tim Hurley. "They believe we're going to pull this off."

Hurley said the park will make the river an all-ages destination. Once complete, the area will have walking and biking trails, an ampitheater and a boat launch.

"It will tie in very well with everything else," said Mike Young, Mark's brother and a Waterloo school board member.

"It will be a great place for kids to cut loose and have fun at the riverfront," Hurley said. "It's an appropriate way to honor their young son's life. I know how much they cared for him and love him."

Now the next step in Cathy and Rick's plan is to see their six grandchildren play at the park.

Kelly Delveau, Mark's sister, knows her brother's memory will have a special place for her two children.

"It's going to be so special to take my kids there and say 'we're going to Uncle Mark's park,'" she said.

Contact John Molseed at (319) 291-1418 or john.molseed@wcfcourier.com.