By Dan Martin
There’s a new structure in Village Green Park, thanks to the Kingston-North Kitsap Rotary Club and community volunteers.
The picnic pavilion enjoyed a “soft opening” at the recent Pie in the Park fundraiser, but the official dedication was held on Oct. 5.
President Don Hutchins presided at the ceremony, thanking the many people who worked on the project and dedicating the structure to one very special Rotarian.
The pavilion is dedicated to Rotarian Rea Mowery, who made significant contributions to our club. For those who have ever attended a Kingston Rotary meeting, Rea is the distinguished gentleman who always provides a “moment of Rotary history.”
Jon Sole, a Kingston Rotarian, supervised the construction of the pavilion and worked closely with all of the volunteers, who supplied material and labor. Our thanks goes to Jon and the other volunteers.
Brad Pugh of Larson and Casteel donated the design, with assistance from architect Miles Yanick.
Matt House of Washington Concrete Casting provided the steel inserts for the footings and arranged for the complimentary concrete and installation. Hard Rock Concrete donated the concrete.
Russell Bishop of Kingbridge Construction donated the concrete installation and the beautiful finish to the floor.
Steve Kelly of Steve Kelly Construction donated the site clearing and trenching for the electrical and water extension.
Steve Kilborn of Timberwolf Construction and his crew are to be applauded as craftsmen, but also artisans in the field of log construction.
Businesses gave us discounted pricing for materials used in the pavilion, among them Buck Levengood of Code Electric, Tom Waggoner of Kingston Lumber, and Rob Welch for the painting.
There were other volunteers who showed up to help with the “grunt work”: Larry Anderson, Sonny Woodward, George Morgan, Les Poole and Walt Elliott. Many of these volunteers were recognized at the Village Green Foundation’s Pie in the Park event and presented with pies.
To complete the dedication ceremony, President Hutchins turned over the keys, guarantees and other significant documents such as the occupancy permit to Jim Moore, Village Green Park commissioner.
The picnic pavilion is just one example of Rotary at work in our community. Rotary previously purchased the field lights at Kingston High School and made significant renovations to the Kola Kole preschool building. But the biggest contribution is yet to come.
Rotary has pledged $50,000 to help build the new Village Green Community Center, a significant donation from a small group of dedicated community-minded individuals.
Join us for club meetings on Wednesday at noon at North Kitsap Fire & Rescue on Miller Bay Road to meet some of these people. We are always looking for new members to join our ranks.
For more information or an invitation, contact Clint Boxman at 297-8677.
