Grand Island, NE — Marval Hornady was a longtime community volunteer and philanthropist who founded Hornady Manufacturing with her husband, Joyce, in 1949.

As Hornady continues to celebrate its 75th anniversary, we are pleased to announce the ground-breaking for the Marval Hornady Celebration Circle and Pavilion to be located on the west end of the Stolley Park gardens in Grand Island, Nebraska.

Stolley Park, originally the homestead of German immigrant William Stolley, became a local landmark known for its lush variety of trees and historical significance. In 1926, Grand Island citizens rallied to gift the land to the state as a public park, which was officially dedicated in 1927. Ownership transferred from the state to the City of Grand Island in 1973, and subsequent renovations have helped the park evolve into a treasured community space.

The dirt and concrete work for the Pavilion will begin this fall, with final touches reserved for early Spring 2025.

“My mother gave so much to Grand Island. She was an avid and dedicated flower gardener and I’m sure she’d be pleased to provide this new and expanded garden for the community to enjoy,” said Steve Hornady.

The feature includes a 32-foot-diameter space suitable for special event seating. On the far west edge of the circle, a 42-by-20-foot open-air pavilion will be built and used for concerts, weddings or other celebrations.

A semi-circular stone seating wall will provide additional space to enjoy the gardens and special events. “We’re very proud to honor my mother and participate in restoring the beauty and utilization of the historic Stolley Park Gardens,” said Steve.

Marval Hornady passed away in 2015 at the age of 102. She served as the company’s chairman and corporate secretary after her husband’s death in 1981 and left a vast résumé of community activities. Among the honors she received were:

• Grand Island YWCA’s first Woman of Distinction in 1986
• Grand Island Independent Woman of the Year in 1989
• Grand Island United Way Citizen of the Year in 1989
• National Society of Fundraising Executives Nebraska Chapter Outstanding Philanthropist in 1996

The company donated funds to make the Marval Hornady Celebration Circle and Pavilion possible.

Founded in 1949, Hornady® Manufacturing Company is a family-owned business headquartered in Grand Island, Nebraska. Proudly manufacturing products that are made in the USA, Hornady® Manufacturing is a world leader in bullet, ammunition, reloading tool, accessory and security product design and manufacturing.