Rotary Park is growing — with your help

MENDOCINO » The grading is done, grass seeds and straw have been put down, the rain has finally arrived and the Rotary Club is looking forward to two growing seasons: The first is of the grass and the second is of donations to complete Phase 1 of Rotary Park.

Recently added, to the picture of the future Rotary Park, is a donations thermometer which indicates what the club has collected via donations to date and what is needed to complete Phase 1. The sign with both the picture and the thermometer is located on the southeast portion of Rotary Park, just north of Main Street.

The estimated cost of developing the park in Phase 1, including the purchase of the land for Rotary Park, is $325,000.

The Mendocino Rotary Foundation, which is in charge of building Rotary Park, has received donations of $275,000:

• $70,000 from the Jack and Chatter Bishoff Fund, which is managed by the Mendocino Community Foundation.

• $130,000 from the sale of “Founders Stones,” which cost a minimum of $2,500. A number of local individuals have donated up to $10,000 for an engraved Founders Stone. These stones will be placed in a special “Founders Patio” in the northeast corner of the park.

• $45,000 has been donated for nearly 200 engraved paving tiles by both individual community members, local businesses and past and present Rotarians.

• $26,000 was initially provided by the Mendocino Rotary Club’s Treasury for the down payment on the land for Rotary Park.

While the Mendocino Rotary Foundation has been successful in completing Phase 1 of Rotary Park and receiving many donations to date, the foundation still needs additional donations of $50,000 to complete Phase 1.

Phase 1 includes the grading of the property, providing proper drainage, constructing walkways, including the laying of the purchased paving stones, providing both electrical and water systems and a shed to house the panels, pumps and equipment to manage the park. In addition, the park will provide the community and visitors with picnic tables, benches and a play area for younger visitors.

The Rotary Club asks that you consider making a donation and join in the beautification of Mendocino’s unique Rotary Park. An engraved paving tile can be bought for a donation of $125 — to be located along the new path to Howard Street — or a Founders Stone, laid in the Founders Patio, is available for a minimal donation of $2,500. The club will also gladly accept any donation you feel is appropriate.

To make a donation, please write a check to MRF. Place it in an envelope, along with any wording you would like engraved on your selected stone, and mail it to MRF PO Box 1910 Mendocino CA 95460. Your donation is tax deductible. MRF’s is a tax exempt 501(c)3 corporation. Its Tax ID Number is 46-2212022.

If you need any additional information you can contact Jerry by email at jkk@mcn. org or by phone at 707-9373087 or any Mendocino Rotarian.

To stay up-to-date, watch the RED LINE on the Thermometer GROW as we reached our Phase 1 goal of $325,000 and watch the grass get GREEN in Rotary Park.