RISON — Veterans Park will soon feature a 50-ton M60 tank as its military centerpiece. The City of Rison, which leases the county-owned park, is finalizing U.S. Army paperwork to transfer the Cold War and Desert Storm-era tank 65 miles from Hamburg, where a highway expansion required its relocation.
Mayor Charles Roberts secured the display after learning of its availability. The Army mandated a quick 60-day transfer, requiring a concrete pad that was scheduled for pouring this week. Local volunteers stepped up for the heavy lifting: Tri-W Logging will haul the tank, while Grace Railroad Contractors will handle loading and unloading.
The desert camo-painted tank joins a WWII anti-tank cannon and a .50-caliber replica already stationed at the park. Displayed equipment remains property of the U.S. Army, with the city responsible for ongoing maintenance and annual reporting.