Town of Berlin Dedicates Gazebo Donated By Lions Club At Veterans Park

It's been a bit of a time in coming but Tuesday night town officials dedicated the gazebo at Berlin Veterans Park donated by the Berlin Lions Club.

Economic Development Director Jim Mahoney introduced Berlin Mayor Adam Salina who then addressed the crowd of approximately 45 people in attendance, 30 of which were Lions Club members.

The Berlin Lions Club boats a robust membership of over 140 members.

"When we came to the latter phase of the project there was a funding shortfall," Salina said. "We didn't have enough money to build the gazebo that was envisioned to be one of the focal points of the new park. Fortunately for the community, the Berlin Lions Club learned of our dilemma and they stepped up and built the gazebo that now graces the park."

The Lions Club said that the donation was important to the Club because in some small way it honored the many veterans in the club and those who have served in town. 

Salina also said the project was truly a community commitment. Many groups contributed to the effort, including Planning & Zoning, The Lions Club, Veterans Commission, Economic Development Commission, Parks and Recreation, Planning & Zoning and the Kiwanis Club.

"The transformation of a former landfill to an important town park has taken a decade," Salina said. "Now we have a consultant on board and we're starting work on the design for Phase II of the park that is funded with a $500,000 State of Connecticut Small Town Assistance Program grant."