Tichigan Lions park pavilion project under way

By Maureen Vander Sanden

Staff Writer

Waterford Town Park goers will soon see another amenity added to Tichigan’s largest public recreational area.

The Tichigan Lake Lions last week broke ground for a $35,000 park pavilion that members of the civic group say will enhance the green space located on Jensen Way.

Tim Szelinski, president of the local Lions club, said the pricey project is yet another example of how the group continues to give back to the community.

“We think this is a good project that families can enjoy for a number of years,” he said.

Plans for the 40-by-64 foot structure were approved in October, with the town chipping in $4,000 toward the project.

Racine County also showed support, Szelinski said, since officials waived permit fees on the building.

The pavilion will include electrical, a concrete floor, metal roofing and treated posts.

Groundwork is already complete, with materials to level the surface donated by Lang’s Landscaping Materials, Waterford.

As part of the project, drainage issues have been addressed, according to Szelinski.

Materials are set to be delivered  this week.

Led by Lion Victor Matuszewski, volunteers will lay the concrete with Cleary Building Corp. of Lake Geneva ready to complete the project.

The pavilion is expected to be completed next month, Szelinski said.

This is not the first improvement the club has made to its local park.

The Lions have also raised funds to purchase about a dozen picnic tables, and recently paid for an extensive lighting project.

Fundraising for the park is a mutually beneficial cause for the Lions and the community, Szelinski said.

“We use the park too,” he said, noting the club’s annual Easter Egg hunt, and its classic car show, which is the group’s largest single event.

With more than 700 cars in the show, attracting thousands of spectators, Szelinski said this year’s event, scheduled for Aug. 26, will be an even bigger success with the new pavilion.

A dedication ceremony, once the project is completed, will likely be held before then, he added.