ROTARY PARK RENOVATION MAKES PROGRESS

Don’t get left out: Join more than 250 community members and businesses that have already donated to Rotary Park and be remembered as a supporter in the development of Rotary Park. Just send an email to Jerry Karabensh at jkk@mcn.org.

As an individual, anyone can donate for an engraved, 1 sq. ft. paving stone for $125, which will be permanently placed on a walkway inside the park. If you want your business recognized, the cost of a paving stone is $300. You can also donate for a rectangular, 12×24-inch “Founders Stone” for a minimum of $2,500 which will be permanently placed in a special “Founders Patio.”

To date, the workers and volunteers have graded the land to make it more usable, sunk a water tank to collect rainwater (which will help to water the park’s gardens and grass) and started the park’s landscaping, with the help of the botany class from Mendocino High School.

Tables and benches for use by the community for picnics and relaxation are now all on-site. In addition, the Rotarians have improved the walkways that meander through the park.

“We are now starting construction on a shed to store all the equipment, electrical, plumbing and for the tools needed to maintain the park,” said Jerry Karabensh. “We will (soon) be starting work on the Founders Patio which will contain the Found

ers Stones honoring individuals who have donated $2,500-$15,000 for the development of Rotary Park.”

Completion of the walkways and the laying of the paving stones will follow. Next, will be the development of the children’s play area, which will have play equipment installed for local children and visitors alike.

“Additional improvements are planned for the future, as we continue to meet the needs of our community,” Karabensh said.

The Rotary Club of Mendocino hopes to sponsor a number of community events in the park someday, including music, drama and art shows, as well as other special programs.

“We also plan to celebrate our many holidays with special events that will both entertain and educate members of the community,” Karabensh said.

“The return of the puppet show is on the list of the events we always plan for the 4th of July.”

A flag pole will also be installed soon, and flags will be flown on special occasions such as Memorial

Day, Flag Day, the 4th of July and other holidays.

JERRY KARABENSH — CONTRIBUTED Rotarians Jerry Karabensh and John Porter, in the background, watch as Dean Watson (left, foreground) and Ray Alarcon get to work on the new Rotary Park in downtown Mendocino.

JERRY KARABENSH — CONTRIBUTED Rotarians, from left to right are: Jerry Karabensh, John Porter, Jeff Stubbs, Donna Schuler, Dean Watson and Ray Alarcon.