Founders of PICA receive Frontier Days honor
Apr 16, 2021
Some 20 years ago, Jan and Phyllis Wilson, of Fort Dodge, came up with an idea that they believed would help make their community look a lot nicer.
While vacationing in Texas, the Wilsons had been part of volunteer efforts to clean up and beautify some communities and a state park. They decided to bring that volunteer model to Fort Dodge.
In 2002, they received permission from the city’s Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department to do some work in a city park. They formed a group named Pride In Community Appearance and recruited some volunteer helpers. Constructing a flower bed around the base of the sign at R.D. Mitchell Park was the group’s first project.
-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson
Jan Wilson, left, and his wife, Phyllis, sit together with members of Pride in Community Appearance Wednesday afternoon at the Fort Museum and Frontier Village Opera House. The Fort Dodge couple, which founded PICA 20 years ago, were named the grand marshals for the 2021 Frontier Days Parade. -Messenger photo by Chad Thompson
Jan Wilson, who founded Pride In Community Appearance with his wife, Phyllis, wipes a tear from his eye Wednesday afternoon at the Fort Museum and Frontier Village Opera House. The Fort Dodge couple were named the grand marshals for the 2021 Frontier Days Parade. -Messenger photo by Chad Thompson