To celebrate their 100th Anniversary in 2023, the Gloucester Rotary chose to install new playground equipment at Stage Fort Park as their centennial gift to the City of Gloucester. This was an expansion of their playground project, which recognized Rotary International's centennial celebration in 2005.
Working with the City of Gloucester, the Gloucester Rotary purchased and gifted playground equipment to the City. The equipment was installed this spring and children have been flocking to the improved playground in the past several weeks.
On Tuesday, June 4, 2024, the Gloucester Rotary held their weekly meeting at Stage Fort Park, followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony at the playground. Dignitaries from Gloucester and from Rotary District 7930 were invited to join. District Governor Lori Karas and Assistant District Governor Ron Block were on hand for the festivities. As lunch was eaten, the joyful sound of children playing boisterously on the playground could be heard.
Given the nature of the project, Rotarian children and grandchildren were invited to the celebration and were given the honor of cutting the ribbon!
Given the nature of the project, Rotarian children and grandchildren were invited to the celebration and were given the honor of cutting the ribbon!
There is still work to do on the project-- i.e., landscaping and sponsor acknowledgement signage. Once this work is completed an official ceremony will be held to honor the many supporters of the playground improvements.
Photo caption: Rotarian Steve Buckley helps several children cut the ribbon to the Stage Fort Park playground expansion while Gloucester Rotary President Tracy Arabian and Gloucester Rotary Centennial President Mike Sarraf watch.