New Rotary Park Map (Image from Grey Highlands Council)
The Markdale Rotary Club is inviting Grey Highlands to join two committees as it aims to build a new Rotary Park.
Grey Highlands council heard from Markdale Rotary Club President Eric Robertson on the project which aims to build upon the existing park during a meeting on Feb. 21.
Robertson says he first approached council back in 2012 on changing Rotary Park, and since then, the club and the municipality have undergone a number of projects to spruce up the park, and says they are now ready to undertake the last stage.
“Rotary has been overseeing the park since its creation almost 90 years ago and we really feel that there is a lot of potential for highlighting Grey Highlands at the park,” says Robertson.
The new 38.7 acre park would connect to the existing Rotary Park, creating a new 50 acre property and would feature a nine hole frisbee golf course, walking trails and a wheelchair accessible fishing platform.
“So the next step, we would like to get moving fairly quickly,” says Robertson. “That would be starting a committee with yourselves and moving forward with those next steps. What we need from you guys is similar as in the past is Rotary is going to invest $35,000 of the Rotary’s money into this project. We are not going to ask the municipality for any money, we are only going to ask for donations in kind.”
Robertson says they would like a body from council to join an existing committee and a new committee, which will include members from the club, Markdale minor soccer, and the Markdale Rec Committee. The goal of the committee is geared to build bridges between the organizations and provide guidance going forward.
Council voiced they were in favour of the project.
Coun. Nadia Dubyk says, “I think this is a fantastic opportunity for us to continue to enhance our green spaces, our parks and also accessibility.”
Council approved directing staff to work with the Rotary Club and report back with options on supporting the project.