The Rotary Club of Welland marked its 100th anniversary on April 1, 2020. As Club number 644 in the International Association of Rotary Clubs, our founding was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Hamilton.

Following a public request for proposals for a Rotary Club of Welland Legacy Project in 2018, the Rotary Club of Welland entered into a partnership with the City of Welland to develop the Rotary Club of Welland Park. A Memorandum of Understanding between both parties was finalized in March 2019.

The Club pledged to contribute $100,000 to the City over a period of up to five years starting in 2020. Many companies and individuals have partnered with the Club in this endeavour.

The City used this contribution to help develop what is now known as The Rotary Club of Welland Park, situated on the west side of the Recreational Waterway, just south of Lincoln Street. These funds also enabled the City to secure additional funding from other sources.

Major signage for the Club is displayed at the park entrance, along with two street signs on Lincoln Street. Additionally, a Rotary Area of Reflection has been installed along the waterway, just south of what is now known as Rec Rentals @ The Docks.

The park, which is partially developed with amenities such as docks, a skateboard facility, splash pad, pavilions, and dedicated bicycle and walking paths, is intended to serve as a versatile recreational destination that embodies Rotary’s values and mission. The Rotary Club of Welland Park initiative furthers the progress made towards establishing a public area and interregional attraction designed to welcome more families and individuals to our community’s recreational waterway.

The Club is commencing the second phase of its development project, which will include the installation of outdoor accessible exercise equipment. This equipment is scheduled for installation in 2026. This phase is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Welland, Turf Net Sports Supplies, Niagara College and Welland Toyota.