Constructs Two Accessible Pavilions for Players and Families
The Rotary Club of Salisbury continues its “Century of Service” celebration in 2020 by giving back to its community. As part of the club’s yearlong recognition of its 100th anniversary, it recently constructed and donated two accessible pavilions to the Wicomico County Department of Recreation and Tourism’s Little league Challenger Division Project 7 ½.
Little League Challenger Division is adaptive baseball is for kids 4-18 years old with physical or intellectual disabilities, to provide them a place to safely play and enjoy the game. The Wicomico County effort is called Project 7 ½ and Field 7 ½ because of its location between the existing fields numbered 7 and 8 at the Henry Parker Athletic Complex on Naylor Mill Road in Salisbury.
The Rotary Club of Salisbury, using a $5,000 Rotary District 7630 grant and approximately $3,000 of the clubs own money, built two 12 foot by 16 foot pavilions, including concrete pads and two wheelchair accessible picnic tables in each pavilion that can accommodate wheelchair seating for 2, as well as other traditional seating.
Construction of the pavilions began in March and was completed in late May. It was a collaborative effort featuring Rotarians and members of the Salisbury community to finish the project in time for the summer Challenger Baseball season. Each pavilion proudly displays the Rotary logo.
“As Rotarians, as people, we have an obligation to support these wonderful and uplifting projects that make us a stronger community by being all inclusive,” said Chris Layton, Immediate Past President, Rotary Club of Salisbury. “While improving, there is still a considerable disparity for children with disabilities to participate in sporting programs. We’re so fortunate to be a small part of Project 7 ½’s success by giving players and their families an additional way to enjoy the overall benefits of this incredible baseball field.”
Additionally, The Rotary Club of Salisbury sought and was just recently awarded a second $5,000 district grant. It is being used to construct a changing room for use at Field 7 ½.
The Rotary Club of Salisbury, celebrating 100 years of service in 2020, meets every Thursday at 6:00 p.m. in the Rotary Scout and Community Center at 1715 Riverside Drive in Salisbury. To learn more about the Rotary Club of Salisbury or to obtain membership information, please contact Membership Chairman Ginnie Malone at 410-251-6188 or GMalone@cbmove.com or visit the club’s website at www.rotarysalisbury.org.
