In early December, members of all six local Rotary clubs gathered at Magnolia Valley Park in New Port Richey to work on a collective renovation and clean-up project for its residents and community.  The park had been neglected for some time and was run down and unsafe for residents and children to use.  When the call for volunteer help went out, 85 people showed up on Saturday, Dec. 2 that included Rotarians from the six clubs, local volunteers, business owners, Interact club members and Magnolia Valley residents.  All were were involved with this two day project.

Luke Walker, president of the Seven Springs Rotary Club, spearheaded this project. He and five West Pasco Rotary club presidents each contributed club funds toward a grant that Rotary District 6950 matched, which ultimately provided a total of $6,500 for the project.

Among the many jobs included clearing out a drainage ditch overgrown with weeds and filled with trash, three wooden picnic tables were stained and installed in the pavilion, the playground area was cleaned up, a new jungle gym and swing set were installed, and trees and shrubbery were trimmed.

Pasco County supplied the 40 yard dumpster and they also sent heavy machinery to remove a fallen oak tree the day before the big clean up. The park is owned by the civic association.

The West Pasco Rotary clubs, known as the Westside Six, included Holiday, Hudson, New Port Richey, Port Richey, Seven Springs, and Trinity. At the completion of the project, a “Welcome to Magnolia Valley Park” sign was ceremoniously unveiled by Walker recognizing the clubs, date of the project and the Rotary signature emblem.

Many local businesses also contributed to the park project: Arthur H. Price Septic Service with Portalets and clearing and reshaping the drainage ditch; Gulf Coast Sealcoat with pressure washing; Team Farrell with pavilion resurfacing, Bates Concrete Construction and Onsite Concrete Services provided the concrete pad to anchor the outdoor grills; Mike Nicholson Lawn and Tree removed large branches, Home Depot donated paint, garbage bags and supplies for staining the picnic tables; Will Cardinal Lawn and Landscaping contributed mulch; and Echo Blueprint made the sign.

McWilliams and Sons sent three people to assist with much of the heavy work the day before the clean up and Pit Boss BBQ supplied pulled pork sandwiches and chips for volunteers. The Magnolia Valley Civic Association provided hot dogs and snacks.

Rotary  International is an organization of business and  professional persons united world-wide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards  in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.