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Shanfield Shores Park Project
The Rotary Club of Windsor St.Clair has had a partnership with the Parks Department of the City of Windsor since 1977 to improve the Ganatchio Trail which includes an east-west trail that parallels Riverside Drive East, a north-south trail beginning just west of Sand Point Beach and the pavilion and totem pole on the waterfront at Sand Point Beach. This partnership was expanded to include Peche Island and associated lands in 1999.
Our Rotary club took a leadership role to encourage the City of Windsor to purchase from the Province of Ontario some park property which included Peche Island, a parcel of land on the north shore of the Detroit River adjacent to the island and a second parcel just south of Riverside Drive. We committed $50,000 over ten years toward the acquisition and development of the lands. When the city finalized the purchase and in recognition of Mr. Henry Shanfield's advocacy over many years to maintain Peche Island as undeveloped parkland to protect the ecological habitat for the many species that live there the shoreline land was named "Shanfield Shores Park".
For several years there was no development or improvement at Shanfield Shores. In 2002 a plan was initiated by the club to construct a gazebo on the site for the enjoyment of the citizens of Windsor and Essex County and visitors to the region. Sadly, that same year our club President, Nijola Giedriunas died from cancer after a brief illness. At Nijola's request donations in her memory were directed to the completion of the gazebo and park improvements. When the gazebo was officially opened on June 13, 2003 the park had a magnificent gazebo, four benches on the pathway leading to the gazebo that showed The Rotary Four-Way Test, six new trees and a memorial stone which reads:
Rotary Gazebo
The Rotary Club of Windsor St.Clair donated this gazebo to the citizens of Windsor. It is part of the club's ongoing commitment to the Ganatchio Trail and Peche Island.
This Rotary gazebo celebrates the life of Nijola Giedriunas. She was President of our club in 2002-2003 who passed away on November 9, 2002. The club expresses sincere gratitude to Rotarians, family and friends for making this a project of love. Nijola's dedication to her community exemplified the Rotary International motto of:
Service Above Self
February 9,2003
Since 2003 park improvements have continued with shoreline restoration, concrete walkways, installation of 12 more benches, landscaping and a park sign that also recognizes the donations of money, labour and material to the Nijola Fund by 127 individuals, groups and businesses. Additional landscaping will be undertaken over the next two years. Interested people can purchase a tree and plaque through the city's Commemorative Tree Program (currently $515) to further enhance the park. When the park is completed, probably in 2008, the Rotary Club of Windsor St.Clair will have contributed in excess of $100,000 toward the improvements of Shanfield Shores Park.
The park stands as a legacy to the vision of Henry Shanfield, the desire by the city to improve the quality of life of its citizens, the good work of Rotary and to a dedicated Rotarian, Nijola Giedriunas.
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Shanfield Shores Park Project Photo Gallery