Involvement with Arlington Parks & Recreation
In 2005 the Rotary Clubs of Arlington established and dedicated The Meadowbrook Sculpture Garden in observance of Rotary International’s 100th Anniversary. Rotary International President, Bhichai Rattakul, was present at the dedication and addressed our club’s gala in celebration of our 80th anniversary. The first sculpture placed in the park was named Blue Sky Dream sculpted by highly recognized artist Seth Vandable. In partnership with other Rotary Clubs the Arlington Sculpture Garden Foundation was formed as a 501(c)3 entity. The sculpture garden, although modest in size, has grown to 6 sculptures with new ones planned to be added yearly. Although not a specific Rotary project Rotarians are still actively involved in the sculpture park’s development in conjunction with the Arlington Parks Department and private donations. Everyone is encouraged to check it out and it is especially noticeable lit up after dark.Over the last Century our clubs Rotarians have been recognized for not only their involvement with the Parks system in Arlington but their overall contributions to the City of Arlington.
Arlington Parks named honoring Arlington Rotary Club members: Gene Allen Park, Bob Cooke Park, Cravens Park (Tom L. Cravens), H.A.D. Dunsworth Park, O.S. Gray Natural Area, Dixon Holman Park, Bob McFarland Park, Duncan Robinson Park, Gene Schrickel Park (Ollie E Schrickel), Vandergriff Park (Tom Vandergriff), Marti Van Ravenswaay Park, Martha Walker Park, Lana Wolff Linear Park (future park)
Involvement with the enhancement of Parks continues up until present time. Cooperation between other Rotary clubs includes the addition of playgrounds in the early 2000s with a new and renovated playground at Dunlop Park in North Arlington, and the cleanup of areas such as Fish Creek running through some of the Parks in Arlington.
As if that wasn’t enough, the biggest park event is yet to unfold. For our own club’s 100th Anniversary there is a planned opening of another new park in Downtown. Plans and budgets have been set so just wait for more details. It will be phenomenal!