SAGINAW, MICHIGAN U.S.A.
About Us/Home
Den Doings
Lions Park
Lions Park Page 2
News
Photo Gallery
Important Dates
Who's Who
Get Involved
Congrats & Thanks
Fundraising
Maps
Links
Lions Park
here!
The Lions Park project first began in September 1995 when the club first approached the City of Saginaw to take over the newly vacant parcel of land, which was once home to the Feige building. Many Saginawians remember the longtime Saginaw furniture landmark, which housed one of the oldest family operated furniture stores in the country. The land was noted by its unique pie-shape design, contoured to conform to the curve along E. Genesee Ave.
The Feige building was raised in September 1995 making way for the Lions Club to negotiate with the City of Saginaw to step in and develop the land into a beautiful urban park setting.
In October 1995 a committee was formed within the club to meet with local officials from the City of Saginaw to propose an official land use plan.
On February 19, 1996, a formal presentation to City Counsel was made resulting in the City of Saginaw leasing the property to the Saginaw Downtown Lions Club for 99 years with a 99-year renewal.
On March 14, 1996 the club established a foundation for the park through the Saginaw Community Foundation as a central means to raise funds for the park project.
In October 1997 David Knoll of McDonald's Nursery created the design of the perimeter plantings, consisting mostly of trees and shrubs.
The club officially acquired the land in May 1998 with then-Lion President Rodney Wakeman signing the lease contract with the City of Saginaw. Ground was officially broken on May 6 and Nichol's Landscaping was hired to construct Phase I of the park project.
On July 13, 1998 City Counsel officially named the site Lions Park.
In September 1998, Shirley McNair led a team of Master Gardeners in designing the four central flower beds.
In April 1999, Master Gardeners planted and supervised the Lions in planting the beds.
In January 2000, the City asked the Lions to take over the care of Heritage Park and restore the Fountain.
In May 19, 2000 the Historic-style sign was erected on the site, which identified the site as Lions Park and named the initial contributors to the park project.
The fountains, located on the west end of the park, which last operated approximately 5 years prior to the Feige building being raised, became the focal point for the club after the initial phases of the park project were completed in 2000. The fountain restoration work included new electrical, new pumps, cement work, repainting of fountain exterior and basin, trimming of nearby trees and the removal of old, overgrown shrubs blocking the view of the fountain.
On September 22, 2004, rededication ceremonies of the restored fountains were held at the Park.
Then on October 11, 2004, the Saginaw Downtown Lions Club was honored by local chapter of the Woman's National Farm and Garden Association with an annual Beautification Award for work at Lions Park.
Future plans of the park include Phase II redesign of the flower beds in January 2005 and Phase III design of the center structure in January 2007.
The Saginaw Downtown Lions Club continues to seek volunteers for current maintenance and donations for future construction phases alike.
If you would like to donate any amount to the park for future plans and maintenance, your tax-deductible donation can be made to the Saginaw Community Foundation and mailed to:
Lions Park
C/O Saginaw Community Foundation
100 S. Jefferson Ave.
Suite 201
Saginaw, Michigan 48607
Please remember to include "Lions Park" on the Momo line of your check.
For more information about the club and membership opportunities, please visit the About Us, Photo Gallery and Maps sections of our website.