In 2018, two years before the Rotary Club of Welland’s 100^th Anniversary on April 1, 2020, the Club reached out to the community requesting potential Legacy Project proposals. Seven proposals were received.

 

As a result, Welland Rotary entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Welland to develop the Rotary Club of Welland Park along the west side of the Welland Recreational Waterway, south of Lincoln Street. This was based on a design concept  by the City, as agreed upon by the Club. The MOU stipulated that Welland Rotary would provide the City with $100,000 over a five-year period in exchange for the naming rights to the park, the provision of signage and the development of an Area of Reflection.

 

Welland Rotary initiated a Sponsorship Drive in 2019 to raise $100,000. It was hoped that the signage would be erected prior to the April 1, 2020 Anniversary. However, COVID 19 took its toll not only on the sponsorship Drive and the 100^th Anniversary Celebration Gala, but also the procurement and installation of the Park development.

 

In May 2022, there was an official unveiling of the Park Entrance sign, with then current sponsors taking part. In October 2023, the Area of Reflection was constructed. It is hoped that there will be another Official Opening at the Area of Reflection in 2024.

Legacy Project Sponsorships

 

Paul and Diane Leon

Bosch Rexroth Canada

Roman & Anna Groch & Family

Pen Financial

Welland Hydro

Whiting Equipment Canada Inc.

 

Durward Jones Barkwell

M.T. Bellies

RBW

Raymond & Vivian Tisi

Turf Net Sports Supplies

Valbruna ASW Inc.

 

David Alexander

Sandy & Hugh Graham

Vic & Farida Kerschl

Don & Debbie Thorpe

Roy & Wendy Timms

L.J. Walters Insurance Brokers

Tim & Karen Wright

 

Caroline & David Duffus

Tammy Morden

Peter McDowell

Vance Badawey

Best Western Plus Rose City Suites

Susan Barnett

Fred Farnham

Art Wing