Souderton Community Park has been renamed “Rotary Park,” in honor of the Souderton-Telford Rotary Club’s fundraising efforts for the park renovation project. Photo by John Worthington | The Reporter.
Park renamed Rotary Park in honor of Souderton-Telford Rotary Club
Hundreds gathered in Souderton Community Park Saturday, September 13 for a “Party in the Park,” celebrating the completion of a six-year park renovation and beautification project.
The celebration featured a free concert on the newly-renovated band shell, free ice cream at the new multi-purpose building and family fun at the new children’s playgrounds and adult fitness area.
“We’re gathered here today to celebrate what is a herculean task, which has been the renovation of this community park,” said Souderton Mayor and Rotarian Dan Yocum. “We’ve been able to come together and transform this once underutilized space into a recreation mecca for Souderton, the Indian Valley and beyond.”
The $1.3 million project was a partnership between Souderton Borough and the Souderton-Telford Rotary Club. Founded in 1925, the Rotary spearheaded the plan as its centennial project, securing funding through activities, individual contributions and sponsorships. As a result of the Rotary’s efforts, the park has been renamed “Rotary Park.”
Six-year initiative
The Rotary pitched the park improvement plan to the borough in 2019 following an initiative by Rotary International to increase its local clubs’ visibility in their respective communities. At the time, the park was home to just the pavilion and band shell, the latter having been built by the Rotary in the 1980s.
“So Rotary made a proposal to the borough to create a legacy park for all generations,” said Leon Moyer, a Rotarian and project chair. “The goal was to create a gathering place for the community to enjoy for all generations as well as a place for recreation, music, to rest and relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.”
After receiving a $250,000 matching state grant, the Rotary secured over $1 million in additional funding, primarily through business sponsorships, including Univest Financial, Bergeys Auto Group, Grandview Health and Clemens Food Group.
In addition to renovating the park, the Rotary sought to honor individuals who have made a significant impact in the community, renaming the concert lawn after Rotarian Marcus Rosenberger and the pocket park at the corner of Reliance Road and Route 133 after longtime Souderton Mayor and Rotarian Charles Allebach.
The Rotary also created a sculpture garden at the corner of Wile Avenue and Reliance Road, with a 15-foot sculpture of longtime Rotarian John Moyer.
Other improvements include a basketball court, a peace pole and a donor wall, with plans for additional sculptures and ADA mobility.
Community feedback
During the celebration, community members roundly commended the park improvements, citing their breadth and inclusivity.
“There’s a little bit of something for everybody, little kids, big kids, and even adults,” said Tab Holloway. “This was our first time here since they renovated it. They did a great job.”
“It’s got everything, a pavilion for eating, bathrooms, playgrounds,” said Julie Joyce. “It’s nice to have a park like this in Souderton. It’s beautiful.”
“And there’s inclusive stuff for kids of all ages and abilities,” added Jenna Drum.
“I just like the park in general now. I like how they have a gym over here,” said Justin Walters. “it’s something we can all really enjoy.”
Local dignitaries similarly hailed the changes, underscoring the importance of public parks to community cohesion and well-being.
“This park has come alive in ways that are truly inspiring over the past few years and it’s grown into a vibrant hub of the community life here,” said state Rep. Steve Malagari. “It’s a beautiful reminder of what public spaces are about, bringing people together in celebration and shared joy.”
Band shell rededication
In honor of the Rotary’s efforts, Yocum surprised the Moyer and wife Dawn with an additional $25,000 secretly raised by the borough. Yocum also announced the rededication of the Maurice Foulke Bandshell as the Leon and Dawn Moyer Maurice Foulke Bandshell.
“None of this would have been possible without Leon Moyer. He had incredible leadership, persistence and passion to keep this project moving forward,” said Yocum. “And in honor of your unwavering support of this project, we are rededicating the band shell as the Leon and Dawn Moyer Maurice Faulk band shell.”
With the Rotary Park now the most actively used space in Souderton, Moyer expressed hope that the park can remain a lively spot for future generations.
“We’re celebrating together 100 years of service to this community, but we’re even more excited about what lies ahead,” said Moyer. “Like the park itself, our role in the community is rooted in the past but we’re built for the future.”
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