by Dennis Dalman
editor@thenewsleaders.com
Volunteers who make Lions Community Park in Sartell an ongoing reality were honored at a recent Sartell City Council meeting with a presentation of certificates by Lions Club member Phil Ringstrom and other members.
Sartell Mayor Sarah Jane Nicoll and council members also thanked the honorees, who through the years have contributed thousands of hours to keeping Lions Park in fine condition.
Those honored will have their names engraved on a plaque that will be kept in Sartell City Hall. Originally, the Lions wanted to honor one of the most outstanding volunteers, Judy Pohlkamp, but she said she would not accept recognition unless the others were recognized, so the Lions decided to include all the names on their plaque.
Those honored are Kim Allar, Katie Kitzmiller, Melissa Kitzmiller, Kris Menke, Bud and Lorna Nestel, Mitze Olson, Judy Pohlkamp, Diane Schellinger, Sue Tembrock, Adam Wenker, Kaye Wenker and Mary Wenker. Also honored was Lions member Karen Maruska, the leader of the Leo Lions, a youth group who also worked hard to make the park a success.
Lions Community Park, established in 2002, was – and is – a partnership among the Sartell Lions Club, the City of Sartell, local and statewide Lions clubs and Lions International. Located across Pinecone Road from Sartell City Hall, the scenic wooded park was designed for access by the visually impaired and/or the physically challenged.
Many individuals, businesses and volunteers contributed money, time or in-kind work to create and maintain the park.
In the future, the Sartell Lions Club plans to build a sheltered picnic area with a kitchen and restrooms.
Volunteers, including some Boy Scouts, take a break in June 2014 from the difficult, hot and sweaty task of removing buckthorn from Lions Community Park in Sartell.
