AM Rotary gives Memorial Park a face-lift
BUTLER — It was about way more than just fun and games for Butler AM Rotary members Saturday while installing new playground equipment in Butler's Memorial Park.
“We call this Phase 2,” said Steven Green, a board member of AM Rotary.
Phase 1 was the installation of one piece of play equipment last October.
More than 65 volunteers turned out by 10 a.m. Saturday, which saw the installation of three new play sets and the renovation of existing equipment.
Some equipment just needed a new coat of specialty acrylic paint. Others just needed to be power washed. The rest were torn out and rebuilt by volunteers on-site.
All the equipment, according to Green, was chosen with care.
“We want these play sets to be for kids with special needs (or) disabilities,” Green said. “We want them to have an equal opportunity (to play).”
Sidewalks recently installed by community volunteers allow for easy wheelchair access to the playground. New “engineered mulch” in the fall zones of the play sets compacts so wheelchairs can roll around the equipment.
Youth played an important roll in the project. Kids worked alongside adults Saturday to build, install and fix the playground. Their presence was in line with Rotary ideals, according to Green.
“One of the things that's really important for us is we train the generation after us,” Green said. “We're trying to be good role models.”
Role models for kids as well as young adults, Green clarified. He hopes to show all young people that civic responsibility includes personal sacrifice and team work.
“Staying away from the Xbox,” Green said. “Getting out, making connections with others.”
Saturday's project, according to Green, was a good example of people making connections.
To get ready for the new equipment, Rotary worked with Butler City and Butler City worked with Butler County. The different levels of collaboration allowed each entity to bring something special to the table. Two years of fundraising went into the new play sets.
The Rotary set a fundraising goal of $190,000 and secured a $40,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources grant through Butler County. The goal hasn't been met, but the work is still getting done.
“I circulated a list of tools that were needed,” Green said. “It's amazing how much work and preparation went into today.”
Green said he was especially grateful for the city parks and recreation workers and for Butler City Maintenance Supervisor Rod Huey. The workers, Green said, were responsible for preparing the site.“It's been a blast,” Huey said.Huey estimates the playground was last worked on in 2007. He said the equipment was installed at least 25 years ago.Rotary District 7280 Governor Ken Fleeson also pitched in on Saturday. As part of his tour of the 43 clubs in his jurisdiction, he assists groups with their community projects and helped build a slide and climbing wall.Fleeson was happy to see so many young people involved with the project.“Our motto is, 'Service above self' and giving back to the community,” Fleeson said. “That's exactly what these people are doing.”Phase 3 of the playground project will be to install new — or renovate existing — benches at the park. The effort aims to recognize project donors.“We've committed to maintaining this playground for years to come,” Green said.Green said the Rotary still needs to raise money to meet its goal of $190,000. He hopes the Rotary's Oct. 26 “Ghosts & Giggles” event makes up the difference.When Phase 3 is complete, the Rotary will celebrate. Green specifically wants to recognize volunteers and donors who helped along the way.Because if there's one thing Rotary wants to promote, it's community.“This just isn't an AM Rotary project,” Green said. “This is a community project.”The public is now welcome to visit the playground. Green hopes it will be a place where people have fun.“I hope that it will bring families together,” Green said. “I played here as a child. This is just my way and my family's way of giving back to the people before me who did awesome things.”Learn more about AM Rotary at butleramrotary.com.
WHAT: Butler AM Rotary's “Ghost & Giggles” comedy show fundraiserWHEN: Saturday, Oct. 26. Doors open at 6 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m.; show at 8 p.m.WHERE: Vagabond Center, 138 Whitestown Road, LyndoraCOST: $45 per person, includes appetizers, dinner and refreshmentsFor more information: Call 412-920-5653 or go to www.butleramrotary.com
