(Medford, Sept. 12, 2018) — Medford Rogue Rotary today presented the Medford Parks and Recreation Foundation with a $25,000 contribution for construction of the Olsrud Family Community Playground at Bear Creek Park. The check represents the first stage in the club’s efforts to support the playground project; additional pledges are still being collected, and the final contribution from the Medford Rogue Rotary Club will exceed $32,000.
“That is in addition to the volunteers we are mobilizing to help on-site,” club president Jeanne Stallman said. “We are aiming for close to 100 percent participation from our 200 club members, whether through giving money or time. We helped build the original playground 30 years ago, and we are excited about rebuilding it for the next 30 years!”
Club member Natalie Hansen is inspired to contribute both time and money to the park rebuild effort. Hansen said, “When I first moved to town, I had a two-year-old and an infant. Everyone said Bear Creek Park was the place to go, where the kids could play and I could meet other parents. I am still friends with people I met there, and now I take my grandchildren to the park! I want to make sure there’s a great playground for new mothers for years to come.”
“The Medford Parks and Recreation Foundation thanks the Medford Rogue Rotary members for their continued support with fundraising efforts that provide opportunities for children and families to recreate, play, and engage with our outstanding Parks Department’s programs and facilities,” Foundation president Joe Brett said.
Medford Rogue Rotary is one of five Rotary clubs in Medford, all of which are involved in the Bear Creek playground rebuild. Rotary is an international organization committed to “a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.” For more information about Rotary and Medford Rogue, visit medfordrogue.org.
“The Medford Parks, Recreation and Facilities Department is grateful for the longtime generous philanthropy and enthusiastic volunteerism of the Medford Rogue Rotary Club,” department director Rich Rosenthal said. “This organization routinely exhibits servant leadership in monumental community building projects such as the Olsrud Family Community Playground.”
