PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — In keeping with their motto, “Service Above Self,” members of the Presque Isle Rotary Club recently rolled up their sleeves and got to work restoring a favorite city park for folks to enjoy this summer.
For four years, Rotary Club members have spent time every spring tending to the garden in Downing Park on Cook Street. They pull weeds, spread mulch and plant seeds to make sure the park, which runs adjacent to a walking and bike path, looks pleasant for community members who use the space.
“I think it’s important that people have a nice looking park that they can be proud of and want to visit often,” Derik Smith, Rotary Club member, said on Thursday.
Club members began this year’s cleanup project May 16, worked on it again on May 24, and will return throughout the summer. They also plan to add a few picnic tables and plant two trees in the space as their contribution to a Rotary International project.
“Rotary International is challenging clubs around the world to plant one tree for each member of their club,” Rotary Member Floyd Rockholt said. “We only have space for two trees, but that will be our small contribution to 1.2 million trees that have already been planted.”
Those who are interested in helping with the Downing Park Cleanup Project can contact the Presque Isle Rotary Club through its website or Facebook page.
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- Presque Isle Rotary Club members Frank Bemis, from left, Floyd Rockholt and Derik Smith tend the garden in Downing Park on May 24. (Melissa Lizotte)
