LISSA ALEXANDER
reporter@pqbnews.com
A grand opening showing off recent refurbishments made at the Rotary Club’s Welch Memorial Park in Qualicum Beach took place Saturday afternoon.
The facility, located at 2989 West Island Hwy, has been in operation since 1979 and was donated to the Rotary Club of Qualicum Beach by a former Rotarian and the town’s first mayor, Bert Welch. He was also a Rotary district governor and an MLA.
President elect of the club, Jason Davies, and Rotary member Jack Ryvers did the work to beef up the fence and give it new colour, and they also added little windows that look out to the street and put up a new sign.
The work is meant to “stimulate the rental of the park,” said member Norm Watts, where much of the proceeds collected will go to helping out local groups and individuals.
Referred to as “Rotary’s gem on the beach,” by Rotarians and locals, the venue sits right above Qualicum Beach with a private grassy area, picnic table benches, and kitchen facilities. There are also bathroom facilities and direct beach access.
The grand opening kicks off the busy summer season, Watts said, and the park remains a popular destination for meetings, parties and picnics.
For more information on renting the park, contact Vancouver Island Insurance Centres Office in Qualicum Beach at 250-752-6961.