CHIMACUM — The East Jefferson Rotary Club christened the new pavilion at H.J. Carroll Park on the Fourth of July with grilled hot dogs, potato salad and lots of gratitude to the members who saw the project through.
“These individuals certainly lived by our motto, ‘Service Above Self,”‘ said Larry Weimer, the new East Jefferson Rotary president.
Located opposite the entrance to the park, the 1,720-square-foot pavilion will provide a large sheltered space for community events, weddings, concerts and family picnics.
It was built by East Jefferson Rotarians with contributions and discounts from local businesses.
Four years of work
The club also raised between $50,000 and $60,000 for construction costs, Rotarian Larry Howland said.
“This is the culmination of four years of work, both on paper and physical work,” said Milt Morris, a regular at the site.
“There isn’t a member here who hasn’t contributed in some way.”
Henry Rogers, the club’s resident poet, gave the invocation, calling on the spirit of the Chimacum and the spirit of Rotary to dwell there.
Don Young, 2004-05 president whose term ended July 1, cut the tape, and Morris, as master of ceremonies, formally presented the pavilion to Warren Steurer, Jefferson County parks and recreation director, who accepted on behalf of the county.
“This is another watershed day in the history of H.J. Carroll Park,” Steurer said.
“This is the centerpiece of the park — the first thing you see when you come in — and was meant to be a beautiful facility.
“That is what has happened.”