ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - The Rotary Grove picnic area at Elk Grove Regional Park is back in service, with Cosumnes Community Services District and Rotary Club of Elk Grove coming together on June 12 to celebrate the “revitalized” space’s new look.

As the previous wooden structure at Rotary Grove aged and became less safe, Cosumnes Community Services District and Rotary worked together to plan a new structure.

The renovated picnic area is built on a circular concrete footprint, with steel shade structures extending inward from the edges. Picnic tables are spaced around the circle, and a large image of the Rotary wheel logo is at the center. Rotary’s Wall of Honor, for recognizing notable members, is engraved with nearly 60 names, with room for more.

Landscape director Christine Manitta said the shade structures have a cantilevered design that places the support posts toward the edge of the space to avoid blocking views of the center. The steel would ensure longevity, she said, and laser-cut shade panels give “dappled shade, reminiscent of the original structure that was here.”

The Wall of Honor was refurbished using the original granite slabs, which were refinished and re-engraved by the original manufacturer.

General Services director Amanda Chehrezad pointed out that the trees that shade the picnic area, planted by Rotary, are also part of the amenity.

“It’s really a physical representation of the vision of Rotary, which is to see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change,” Chehrezad said.

Elk Grove Rotary President Cathy Guy imagined the kinds of events that the space could host, such as wedding receptions, birthday parties and fundraisers.

“This amazing space is made in part by Rotary’s commitment to look for opportunities to improve communities and invest in the next generation for tomorrow,” Guy said, emphasizing Rotary’s values of service and action.

“The Rotary Club of Elk Grove will continue to look forward with hope, enthusiasm and passion to enhance the quality of life of Elk Grove residents,” she concluded.

Cosumnes Community Services District board President Jim Luttrell said the revitalization would help the district meet the needs of the growing Elk Grove community, and he praised Rotary’s collaboration on the effort.

“It’s amazing what they’ve done to make this grotto beautiful,” Luttrell said.

Sidney Smith, governor of Rotary International District 5180, said he wanted community members to know that Rotary Grove is there for them. The governor, whose district encompasses Elk Grove and the Sacramento area, continued that the grove shows Rotary and Cosumnes Community Services District’s dedication to sustainable community.

“Sustainability means that we share what we have in common more than what divides us. Our community is a prime example of what can happen when people come together and work together in unity and a spirit of cooperation,” Smith said, adding that the renovated Rotary Grove shows that “some great things can happen” when delivering on promises and looking for solutions to problems.

Rotary and Cosumnes Community Services District members who collaborated on the project can know that their work is “not in vain,” Smith said.

“For generations to come, people will be able to come to this park and know that not only is this a safe place, a place where you can bring your families, but this is a place that you can be proud of,” Smith said.