A newly established park in Whitefish will offer additional public river access in a central area and a bountiful orchard for harvesting, all while serving as a tribute to the family who lived there.  

On Aug. 22, Neal and Linda Kusumoto, the Whitefish Parks Board, BNSF Railway employees and other family and community stakeholders gathered to celebrate the land’s legacy, and the collaborations that brought the park to fruition.  

Neal and Linda were catalysts of the project and took the initiative in giving the family’s land to the community.  

Ted Kusumoto Park is nearly 2 acres in size. It is located just west of Roundhouse Landing on the Whitefish River and is accessed by the riverside path. BNSF now owns the land, and the city of Whitefish will maintain it through an extension of the long-term recreational lease on Roundhouse Landing.  

Neal’s grandparents, Joe Kesagoro Kusumoto and Hama Kani Kusumoto (maiden name of Taketa) were both born in Japan, married in Seattle in 1927, and homesteaded on the land that is now Ted Kusumoto Park. They raised five children in a two-bedroom house on the property while Joe worked as a railroad foreman.  

“My grandparents came to America to have a better life,” Neal said. “And they did. They took what they could, worked as hard as they could, and they became part of the United States.”  

The namesake of the park, Ted T. Kusumoto, was Neal’s uncle. Ted was the eldest son of Joe and Hama. 

Ted served in the army during World War II in the 100th Infantry, 442nd Regional Combat Team. He was awarded a Silver Star Medal, a Gold Congressional Medal of Honor and three Battle Stars.  

“What we’re here for, is a hero, that happens to be my uncle,” Neal said.  “That Silver Star – that's not something you get unless you’ve done something incredible.” 

Ted was said to have displayed courage and perseverance on April 5, 1945 as he advanced to within fifteen yards of the opponents and threw grenades, causing them to flee, as well as destroying their machine gun.  

Ted’s brothers, Dale, and Heloshi, “Losh,” also served as Marines in the Korean War.  

Losh was Neal’s father. Losh married Margaret Fargo Kusumoto, “Peggy Spink,” in 1950. 

The fact that Losh and Peggy’s marriage took place in Idaho, because inter-racial marriage was illegal in Montana at that time, is representative of the challenges the family overcame.  

Carrying on the heroism of his uncle and father, Neal was a U.S. Navy Captain. He served in active duty for 29 years plus 15 years as a Navy Civilian. He served during the Gulf War and 9/11 and was Aid to the Joint Chief of Staff in the Pentagon.  

Neal married Linda in La Jolla, California. These days, they live in Seattle and frequent Flathead Valley.  

AFTER the Kusumoto’s gave remarks, others involved in the park’s creation spoke.  

“BNSF appreciates our ongoing partnerships with the city, including the [Riverside] path and Roundhouse Landing,” said Lauren Knickrehm, BNSF employee. “For many years, we hope families will enjoy this beautiful property and recognize the honorable legacy of the Kusumoto family.” 

Mayor John Muhlfeld reflected on the value of partnerships in transforming the river. Many in attendance seconded that the river looks pristine. 

“It’s amazing what we’ve accomplished on this stretch of the river over the years,” Muhlfeld said. “From approaching state fish and game, to making this section from the lake to J.P. Road non-motorized use. 

“We consider this river a part of the Parks Department, and we take care of it. Providing public access points is critical to the livability of our community.”  

Also in attendance was Deputy Consul General Tsuge Yoko of the Consulate-General of Japan, who traveled from Seattle for the park’s dedication.  

“On behalf of the consulate general, I offer our heartfelt congratulations,” Yoko said. “This beautiful park is a lasting symbol of the enduring friendship between our nations. May it serve as a place of reflection, honoring those who have built this community.”  

PLENTIFUL fruit trees add inherent and practical value to the park. The park’s orchard has about 50 fruit trees, mostly plums but also pears and apples.  

The park’s trees will be harvested for North Valley Food Bank this fall, in what will be a full-circle moment -- in decades past, Losh grew a community garden and dedicated many years to the food bank.

The city works with the food bank to coordinate harvesting on city property, amounting to an average of 900 pounds of fruit each year.  

Carla Belski, community services coordinator for the city, said the park’s orchards will bolster harvest numbers. 

“It is great to welcome this beautiful park to our urban forest,” she said. “Fruit gleaning will meet two needs. One is to limit human-wildlife conflict by deterring bears from coming into town to feed on fruit trees, and also, to provide fruit to food bank customers.”  

North Valley Food Bank’s city-wide annual harvest day is this Saturday, Sept. 6, and people are encouraged to volunteer.