Jun 23, 2022
SHEPHERDSTOWN ROTARY DONATES BENCHES TO MORGAN'S GROVE PARK
The Rotary Club of Shepherdstown has donated ten new benches to Shepherdstown's Morgan's Grove Park.
The benches were installed June 18 by a crew of volunteers from the Rotary Club and the Shepherdstown Community Club, which owns the park. The accompanying photo shows the volunteers as follows, from left to right: Walt Eifert; Annie Baronner; Tripp Baronner; Keith Carter; Carol Hill; Stephen Campbell; Steve Wabnitz; Matthew Gray; Cara Keys with her son Michael; John Guedel; and Judy Keys.
The benches, all six feet in length, have been installed in several locations around the park, including the playground and soccer areas, and along the park's walking trail. Community Club President Jennifer Wabnitz explained that some are replacements for deteriorated wooden benches that were no longer usable, and some will provide new seating not previously available.
"Several of our old wooden benches had rotted so badly you could not sit on them," Ms. Wabnitz said. "In addition, we had requests to add new benches around the playground so parents can rest while their little ones play on the equipment. And we have more soccer families than ever, so we also wanted to add seating for them. The Community Club is delighted to receive such a thoughtful, generous gift. Morgan's Grove Park is enjoyed all year long, so we know these benches will get good, constant use."
The benches are constructed from UV protected, low-maintenance recycled plastic materials, with stainless steel hardware, and they are guaranteed for 50 years. The legs have been anchored in the ground with concrete.
The Rotary Club purchased the benches from Markstaar, a distributor located in Scarborough, ME, which gave the club a significant discount.
The total cost to the Rotary Club was slightly more than $5,000. These funds were donated by individual Club members out of their own pockets.
Rotarians Walt Eifert and Cara Keys, coordinated the project, with Eifert organizing the purchase, delivery, and installation of the benches.
Founded in 1987, the Shepherdstown Rotary Club has a long history of assisting other community organizations through donations and volunteer support.