Rotary Park
Intentional Design for Community
2017 and Continuing
Location: Mendocino
Climate Conscious Measures:
Rainwater Harvesting
Pollinator Friendly Native Landscape
Community Gathering
Mendocino Rotary decided to preserve an open space in the town of Mendocino and create a park for the community to use. Various donors stepped up to purchase the property as a space for gatherings and various Rotary events. The Mendocino Farmers’ Market already met weekly on Howard Street, which was the eastern boundary of the lot. The Rotary Park Foundation was created, appointing a Board to oversee the development. The Board included two community members as well as four Rotarians. After meeting to decide the best use of the park, they contacted local architect, Debra Lennox to help create their vision.
She encouraged maintaining the historical pathway through the park connecting the core of Mendocino to Big River Beach, diagonally cutting across the eucalyptus-filled lot. Terracing the site to allow flat ground for a stage & amphitheater-like seating, creating a play area with a swingset, and building a small, shingled, octagonal shed were the primary objectives of Phase I of the development of Rotary Park. Fundraising for the park was led by Jerry Karabensh & John Porter; Matt O’Halloran volunteered to maintain the grounds, and various other Rotarians contributed to the ongoing improvements. A patio area dubbed “Founders’ Stones” near the swings are surrounded by picnic tables and future benches. Rotary sold inscribed pavers that were used to line the pathways. John Paul McMillan donated a 24’ long slab “Community Table” that was installed along Albion St. Donna Schuler & Dr. what’s his name led the landscaping effort. Donna worked with students from MHS Impact Club to design a landscaping plan that engaged youth and retirees alike.
Scott Anderson Construction built the charming Rotary Shed, which holds landscaping and Rotary fundraising equipment.
Debra encouraged Rotary to collect the rainwater from the shed and store it in an underground tank, to be used to water the extensive landscaping without impacting the water table. This pioneer project shows that there can be beautiful landscaping without using precious potable drinking water. Wetzler Plumbing installed a submersible pump that pressurizes a faucet that will eventually connect to a drip irrigation system.
Many community events have been held at Rotary Park. During COVID, the park became a safe gathering place to celebrate the first International Day of the Bee. Now the park is the go-to place for many events, from the fundraiser for Ukraine to regular Makers Market Craft Fairs to annual Rotary Fourth of July puppet show to the new annual Mendocino Oban Festival, celebrated with the Mendocino Miata Sister Cities Association.
Future phases include a sidewalk along Main St & an accessible park entry at the corner of Lansing & Albion Streets.
Mendocino Rotary Park is a beloved asset to the community, and there are always people sitting at the picnic tables and children of all ages playing on the swings. Thank you, Rotary.