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The Rotary Club of St. Marys and the Rotary Club of St. Marys Foundation "Leave A Legacy Fund" partnered with Upper Thames River Conservation Authority and the Town of St. Marys in the Trout Creek Enhancement project. The objectives were to beautify one of the entrances to the town, provide a leisure area for the citizens of St. Marys and visitors to enjoy, and to improve the Trout Creek water habitat.

 
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Park planning was done in conjunction with those who know parks. The trail through the park, named Taylor Trail, was developed using local stone screenings. This makes the park more accessible to residents especially those requiring wheelchairs and scooters as well as allowing parents with strollers and park visitors on bikes to enjoy the location.  The pathway was installed by McLean Taylor Construction and the Town of St. Marys.  It met all UTRCA standards and is considered environmentally friendly.

 

The natural gardens were planted with species that suit the area under supervision of UTRCA. Local school children planted the majority of the perennial plants. Members of the Rotary Club have spread wood chips for mulching effect and commit to maintain the gardens to a standard that will make St. Marys proud. The Town of St. Marys continues to cut the grass and provide maintenance. Please note that tax dollars were not used to develop this park. The Rotary Club of St. Marys has providing the development and has received outstanding support from our elected officials and from staff employed by our town.

 

The benches, picnic tables, trees and plantings were arranged through The Rotary Club of St. Marys Foundation ‘Leave a Legacy Fund’ and paid for by generous citizens of St. Marys and area who sponsored the benches, picnic tables and trees in memory of loved ones or a family. The benches and tables have nameplates affixed naming the sponsors.  The trees planted have the sponsor’s name on the Rotary Park memorial stone plaque. Financial support was also received from the Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada through the Ministries of the Environment. TD Canada Trust also provided support.

 

The walkway through 'Rotary Park' is linked to the 25 kms of Grand Trunk Trail, in and around St. Marys and is named 'Taylor Trail' in recognition of the commitment and vision that Eric Taylor had in the development of the Trout Creek Park area.

 

Rotary Park was officially dedicated, in memory of Eric Taylor, on July 13th 2013. Eric Taylor was one of the founding partners in McLean Taylor Construction Limited in 1960 and was superintendent of public works for the Town of St.Marys from 1972-1982. He was also President of the Rotary Club of St.Marys in 1964.

For more information about The Rotary Club of St. Marys, and “The Leave a Legacy Fund”, visit our website:  www.rotarystmarys.ca