For the past 100 years, Lions clubs have changed the lives of many in their communities and around the world. In celebration of Lions Clubs International's Centennial, the Youngstown Lions Club will rededicate "Lions Park" in the Village of Youngstown at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 3.
According to Ernie Lavigueur, the club's past president, Lions Park is approximately two acres of green space between Parkside Place and Applewood Drive in the village. It was designed in the late 1950s and early '60s to serve the recreational needs of the surrounding community.
Originally owned by Frontier Homes during construction of the New York Power Authority Power Project, the park was purchased by the Village of Youngstown. With the assistance of the Youngstown Lions Club approximately 200 to 300 children and their parents have enjoyed the park over the years.
Honoring the commitment of the Youngstown Lions Club, the Village of Youngstown dedicated the park as "Lions Park" around 1968, Lavigueur said. However, over the years the park's facilities have deteriorated and the park is now in need of immediate repair.
To commemorate the centennial of Lions Club International, the Youngstown Lions Club's Legacy Committee has unveiled its vision to refurnish "Lions Park."
"Lions hope that through fundraisers, grants and donations new playground equipment can be purchased along with a pavilion, picnic tables, benches, trees, a flower garden, a walking path and other upgrades," Lavigueur said.
The community is invited to join Youngstown Lions for the rededication of "Lions Park" on Saturday, June 3. For more information, contact Lion Millie Gibbs at 716-579-5419.