Making sure Land O' Lakes never loses sight of its history is the aim of a small group of Land O' Lakes residents who have been working since the 1990s to turn one of the area's parks into a showplace.

Through the Heritage Park Foundation, these residents are raising money to enhance the grounds of the Land O' Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O' Lakes Blvd. The idea is to build an amphitheater for local group performances and other events. They'd also like to build a "Heritage Walk" around the park that would offer a look back into the history of the founding families of central Pasco.

While the efforts might seem large for a grassroots group, its president points out that residents have been involved in the park since its inception.

"This park was originally built by members of the community," said Sandy Graves, Heritage Park Foundation president. The park was initially owned by the Pasco County School District, but was eventually bought by the county itself.

The grassroots effort to enhance the park began in 1996, said foundation board member Tim Hayes.

Through the Land O' Lakes Saturday Market, Traditions on the Green, other events and donations, the foundation has raised about $15,000 toward making its amphitheater dreams come true. There isn't a fundraising goal in place at this point, Graves said.

"We don't want to limit our dreams," she said.

The eventual hope is to have enough money to make the park a real gathering place for the community. The group's plans would not have an impact on the playing fields or playground. Rather, they'd add other points of interest to the community center, members said.

"We could have concerts, movies in the park," said Graves.

The push to enhance the park and keep the area's history alive is personal for Graves.

"I grew up here," she explained. "It's what made me who I am. We're trying to bring back that (community) feel."

Pasco County Commissioner Pat Mulieri is impressed with the work the foundation has done. In fact, she volunteers to come out to events dressed as her alter ego "Giggles the clown."

"The Heritage Foundation with Sandy at the helm is doing an outstanding job of bringing the community together at varied events and to champion the heritage and uniqueness of Land O' Lakes," she said.

For more information about the foundation or becoming a volunteer, visit lolsaturdaymkt.com or call Graves at 813-996-3011. Donations to the Heritage Foundation can be made by mailing checks to P.O. Box 1473, Land O' Lakes, FL 34639.