On Tuesday, May 10, the Rotary Club of Welland, and the City of Welland celebrated a long-time collaboration with the ribbon cutting for the entrance signage at the Rotary Club of Welland Park along the west side of the Recreational Canal.

This park is part of the Rotary Club’s 100^th Anniversary Legacy. Chartered on April 1, 1920, Welland Rotary has been active within the local community supporting various needs, particularly as they relate to women, children, and youth in need. From the early 1930’s through to the present day, Welland Rotary has partnered with the City in many initiatives, providing funds for the Chippawa Park skating rink and the Cross Street Pool; free skating for children and contributions toward the Welland/Crowland arena in the 1940’s; the Welland Public Library in the mid 1970s and again in 2004-2009, providing contributions to several Handi-Trans bus purchases in the late 1980’s and 1990’s and support of the City’s Can I Play Too? program .

Rotary President Vic Kerschl stated ”This new agreement, establishing Rotary Club of Welland Park, represents a culmination of this historic relationship and enshrines the Rotary Club as a long-term stakeholder in the future development of this park with the City of Welland for the benefit of all of our residents.”

“Our City thrives when organizations such as Rotary are present and visible,” said Mayor Frank Campion. “When we highlight our community groups and partnerships, it showcases our city’s collaborative and welcoming tone as a whole. When we can help tell our story and share who we are through something as simple as a welcoming park entrance, it speaks volumes about what you can expect city-wide.”

President Kerschl presented Mayor Campion with the Club’s third instalment of $20,000 toward the $100,000 committed to the Rotary Club of Welland Park.

Ribbon Cutting & Park Clean-up photos courtesy of Tony Gallaccio