SAGINAW, MICHIGAN U.S.A.
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for Work on Lions Park
October 11, 2004
The Saginaw Downtown Lions Club received more accolades for their efforts in developing Lions Park as the local branch of the Woman's National Farm and Garden Association presented the Lions with their annual Beautification Award at a special meeting Monday, October 11, 2004.
Wil Hufton, club secretary and past president, and Ted Rapson, past president and Lions Park Committee member were on hand to receive the award at the historic Saginaw Club on behalf of club president, J.T. Holmes and Park Committee Chair Lion John Senyko.
The Beautification Award was presented by Marcia Schmidt from the Farm and Garden Association Civic Service Committee. She identified the park project as it is described in the dictionary, "Beautiful: very pleasing or delightful to look at; attractive, beauteous."
Following the receipt of the award, Lion Hufton spoke on the process in which the Lions Club obtained the site and the development into the park setting as seen today.
The land on which Lions Park was developed was once occupied by the Fiege building, housing the longtime Saginaw furniture store. The building was vacant for many years following the move of the business out of Downtown Saginaw and was raised in September 1995. The Lions Club soon approached the City with plans to convert the unique pie-shaped parcel of land into a beautiful urban park. The Lions Club took over the land in May 1998 and with seed money from the Lions Club and corporate and private interests, first-phase development took place soon after.
The final phase of the initial development plan included refurbishing the fountains, which had sat silent for nearly 20 years. With the club leading the way, and with assistance from neighboring business Health Delivery, Inc., the fountains were restored and plantings were added making it a beautiful accent to the park.
On news of receiving the award, Lion President J.T. Holmes stated, "The Saginaw Downtown Lion's Club is elated to receive this great recognition from the Saginaw Branch of the Woman's National Farm and Garden Association. Lions members are honored that Lions Park is an additional attraction to the beautiful downtown Saginaw."
"The current efforts of John Senyko and the Saginaw Downtown Lion's Club resulted in the fountains flowing at the Park for the first time in more than a decade," said Rapson of his committee Chairman, Senyko.
"Plantings, mulch and paint give the park a brand new look. The whole area is more pleasant and appealing," he added.
For more information on the development the park and photos of the award presentation, please see the Lions Park, Photo Gallery and News sections of the website.