Ben Lomand Connect Opens Kevin Bouldin Memorial Park

Ben Lomand Connect officially opened the Kevin Bouldin Memorial Park on Friday afternoon with a dedication ceremony and plaque unveiling honoring the memory of longtime employee Kevin Bouldin.

Located at 17 College Street in Spencer, the newly refurbished green space was created as a peaceful place for members of the community to relax, reflect and find quiet moments of rest. The park features benches, flowers and a large shade tree, offering a calm setting in the heart of the city.

The property, which is owned by Ben Lomand Connect, was redesigned for public use as a lasting tribute to Bouldin, a Van Buren County native who died in a tragic vehicle accident in 2018 while serving in the line of duty. He remains the only employee to lose his life in the line of duty in Ben Lomand Connect’s 72-year history.

During the ceremony, Ben Lomand Connect General Manager and CEO Greg Smartt thanked Spencer Mayor Alisa Farmer, Van Buren County Mayor David Sullivan, the company’s board of directors and employees who helped transform the former jail property into a public space for the community.

Smartt said the project had been a vision for several years and described the memorial park as something meaningful not only for Bouldin’s family and coworkers, but also for the people of Spencer.

“There was a lot of work that had to go into it,” Smartt said during the ceremony. “There was a lot of money going into it. But this is something that I wanted five years ago. It’s taken five years to get this, and I think it’s the best thing.”

Smartt also reflected on the emotional significance of the memorial and the impact Bouldin had on those who worked alongside him.

“Kevin exemplified the very best of the cooperative through his dedication, service, integrity and commitment to his community and service,” Smartt said.

The official plaque unveiled Friday describes the park as a place where Bouldin’s legacy will continue through his family, friends, coworkers and community, noting that “though his life was tragically cut short in the line of duty while serving our customers, his legacy lives on in this peaceful place he loved.”

“This memorial park stands in honor of Kevin’s life and service,” Smartt said. “A place of reflection, remembrance and guidance so that his memory will never be forgotten.”

Ben Lomand Connect officials said the park is intended to remain a welcoming public space for residents and visitors alike.

The Kevin Bouldin Memorial Park is now open to the public.