CRANBERRY TWP — The board of supervisors on Nov. 3 honored Cranberry's two Rotary clubs for their work to improve recreation in the township.

Cranberry's noon and morning Rotary clubs were instrumental in the construction of the Route 19 Community Park's amphitheater and are now working on a gazebo in front of the municipal center.

The Cranberry Rotary Club and its sister organization, the Cranberry Rotary Sunrise Club, were honored with a special proclamation, just days following the final payment of a $55,000 contribution that financed the new amphitheater.

Former Cranberry Rotary Club president Bill Powis and current Sunrise Rotary Club president Walt Scott were on hand to receive the honors from supervisor John Milius, on behalf of the supervisors.

"We're very fortunate to be able to accomplish projects that many other communities aren't able to accomplish because of the efforts of groups like the Rotary," said Mike Diehl, township director of parks and recreation.

"In the 13 years I've been supervisor, the Rotary has always been there. You have our gratitude and appreciation," said Milius.

Construction on the new amphitheater stage started in 2001.

Before the permanent structure was built, the township's Concerts in the Park series was held under a circus tent and makeshift stage.

All of the engineering and much of the construction work were done by the township and Rotary members. That helped keep costs down.

The entire project cost about $60,000.

According to Diehl, the total value of the amphitheater, if it were built from scratch, is $180,000.

Since the amphitheater opened more than four years ago, it has hosted 32 concerts and four township Community Day celebrations, said Diehl, adding that some musical performances drew more than 200 people.

With the amphitheater completed and paid for, the Sunrise Rotary Club will embark on its next project: the construction of a new 12-foot in diameter gazebo near the Sample School park in front of the township's municipal center on Rochester Road.

The club has already raised $5,500 for the project, which is slated to begin in the spring.

It is expected to open by late spring or early summer.