We started fund-raising for this project several years ago but only recently have we acquired enough funding to actually implement it. We have been collecting tools, knocking on doors for volunteers and sending letters to various local groups. We disassembled the old wood structure in May and June and pulled out the old posts with assistance from Dennis Butler and his tractor. Lions Tom Spackman and Roger Davies marked out the corner pins and on Monday 16 Jun 2008 the rains had finally subsided enough for Fred Holzwarth [Fred's Excavating' to dig out the site for us with Rod Ririe and company [Ririe Pit Run and Gravel] to haul away the dirt. On Thursday afternoon we received the trailer loaded with parts [from Blue Imp via GPI and Exalta] and Thursday evening we started hauling tools over to the site. Early Friday morning (7:30am) we measured and marked where the 40 odd holes were to be drilled under supervision of the installer Rob [of GPI Outdoor Design]. Despite being a work day, we were able to get George Reil, Ralph Shipley, Andy and Carla Beres, Addie Bourne, Ashley Clifton, Bonnie Hirsche, and Roger and Shauna Davies to volunteer that day. Dustin Ririe spent all morning drilling the holes and moving dirt away for us. Lunch was thoughtfully provided via 1st Choice at their Customer Appreciation BBQ. By supper time, we were about 80% in place, almost ready for the cement and gravel.

DG Terri Hill and her husband Lion Bryce Hill were the guests of honor at the Magrath Lions Club meeting on Wed 21 May 2008.

Also in attendance: Lion Club President Devar Dahl, Elizabeth Olsen, Shirley Clifton, Lion Club Treasurer Roger Davies, Lion Shauna Davies, Lion Club Secretary Lawrence Papworth, Valerie Papworth, former Lion Ken Balderson, Marge Balderson. We had planned to meet at the Magrath Golf Course Restaurant but it was unexpectedly closed early due to rain, so we rescheduled our meeting location to Yings on main street Magrath.

Lion Bob passed away on Friday March 28, 2008 at the Raymond Hospital. He was a past club president and with his good wife Shirley, long time supporters of our club activities. He was especially looking forward to the new lion park playground equipment (to be installed Jun 2008), having assisted in the planning and fund-raising for it over the past several years. The funeral service was held at the Magrath Garden Place Chapel on Tuesday April 1, 2008 at 2pm.

Lion Jim passed away earlier this same month after a long stay in the hospital. After the passing of his wife he retired from the club due to age and health concerns, first moving out of their home in Magrath to stay at the Diamond Willow Lodge and later moving to long term care outside of Magrath. His funeral was held at the Magrath Stake Center in March 2008.

We will miss them both.