Those who knew Ken Tougas loved him for his big-heartedness. Now
generations of children will come to recognize Tougas for the park
that bears his name.
Morgan Hill – Those who knew Ken Tougas loved him for his big-heartedness. Now generations of children will come to recognize Tougas for the park that bears his name.
The city dedicated a shiny new playground at the corner of Alkire and Dewitt avenues in Tougas’ honor Saturday morning prior to the grand-opening festivities for the impressive Morgan Hill Library, which sits next to the small play area. The two projects are linked.
Tougas lived in Morgan Hill for 20 years before his death in 2003 at age 66. During that time, he made himself well-known as an advocate for seniors and children. In 1999, he was named “Man of the Year” in Morgan Hill for his community volunteerism.
About 40 people, including Tougas’ close friends and family members and inquisitive, fidgeting children, gathered around the play structure as Morgan Hill Mayor Steve Tate spoke about Tougas’ love of the community.
After applauding Tate’s words, several people started to chant, “Slide! Slide! Slide!” The tall mayor obliged, carefully angling himself onto the plastic curly slide built for smaller legs and zipping to the ground, much to everyone’s delight.
Tougas arrived in Morgan Hill in 1983, marrying local resident Pat Steinbrook. Retired from 25 years with Pacific Bell, he dedicated himself to helping others. He was a driving force behind the yearly Toys for Tots campaign, delivering large empty barrels to local businesses and picking them up when they were full. He also organized a separate toy giveaway for needy families every year.
Additionally, he found time to serve on the Council on Aging Silicon Valley, the Morgan Hill Community Action Group, the San Martin Lions Club, the Morgan Hill Grange, the Brown Bag Program and ChildSpree.
“He just went above and beyond,” said Chris Vogel, Tougas’ friend. “If he heard (a senior citizen) couldn’t drive somewhere, he’d go pick them up.”
Others marveled at his energy. He was full of ideas to help others, such as his Friday night rib feeds to benefit ChildSpree, Mervyns’ nationwide back-to-school shopping spree for needy children.
“A lot of us were honored to be his friends,” said Gina Six. “And we thought we knew what he was up to … but it wasn’t until he passed away that we realized how much he did.”
The small playground, which sits behind the new library surrounded by a glossy-black iron fence, was part of the overall $19-million project budget. The Morgan Hill Redevelopment Agency funded its design and construction. A small plaque bearing Tougas’ name is fixed to a concrete bench at the park.
“I feel really glad the city is acknowledging his efforts,” Steinbrook said, “to make the city better for seniors and young people.”
