Downtown Plaza Gazebo

Through the work of the Woodburn Rotary Club and city public works personnel, installation of the new gazebo in Downtown Plaza began on Saturday, February 7, 2009. The assembly of the Gazebo is the culmination of a multi-year effort to provide this feature to the Plaza.

Due to funding limitations when the Plaza was initially constructed in 2005, the city determined that the gazebo would have to be constructed at a later date, with assistance from private donations. The original plan called for a custom designed gazebo at an estimated cost of more than $100,000. Initial fundraising for the project was vigorous, but ended up falling short of that goal. Early last year, the city reconceived the project and decided to take it in a slightly different direction. By working with a manufacturer that was able to modify one of their standard designs, the city was able to complete this project for $50,000; half the original anticipated cost. This strategy allowed the city to match the $21,000 in community contributions it had received with limited Parks System Development Charge funds to complete the project.

By providing $5,000 of the $21,000 in fundraised dollars, the Woodburn Rotary Club is the project’s largest private donor. What makes this project especially meaningful to the Rotarians is that it provides them with an opportunity to contribute much more than just monetary support. According to Rotary President Scott Nehring, “Being involved in the installation process affords us the opportunity to offer, not only money, but our time and talents, as well. “Service before Self” is a fundamental Rotary value, and the gazebo project is an example of how those aspiring words are put into action here in Woodburn.”

City Administrator Scott Derickson stated, “I am overwhelmed by the community commitment that exists here in Woodburn. I strongly believe that the gazebo should serve as a continuous reminder of what can be achieved when we come together to accomplish a common goal.”

It all started with a Dedication...