TOPPENISH — Four Pioneer Park gazebo shelters originally installed by the Toppenish Lions Club 22 years ago were brought back to like-new condition by that same organization recently.
Randy Taylor, club member and Toppenish City Councilman, said the four shelters were installed April 18, 1987, 22 years to the day from the day the repairs began.
Taylor said the gazebos were re-roofed, all damaged or decaying structural components were replaced, and they were give a fresh coat of paint.
He said the work was done over about a four-day period, and included removal of all material to be replaced and pressure washing before the new material was installed.
The club made the decision to do the work on the shelters after Parks and Recreation Director James Cole made a presentation to members and suggested the repairs as a worthwhile project, Taylor said.
Club members voted approval for the project, and the Lions purchased all the materials and provided all the labor.
“Everybody does what they can,” said Taylor. “It’s a group effort.”
He said several of the members who were in the club when the shelters were first built also helped restore them the second time around.
Taylor said the club has plans for two first-time events in coming months.
The Lions will organize a steak feed June 5, at Pioneer Park, as part of this year’s Mural In A Day celebration, which will span two days in honor of its 20th anniversary.
In July 4, the club will sponsor what Taylor said he hopes will be a “first-annual” event, a July 4 car show.
Final details for both those events are still being worked out.