Yellowknife (July 23/04) - After 100 years, Rotary clubs around the world are still dedicated to the motto, "service above self."

In adherence with the creed, and to celebrate Rotary's centennial, the Rotary Club of Yellowknife is building the Rotary Centennial Waterfront Park on the shore of Great Slave Lake near the entrance to the Dettah ice road.

"That park is going to take a few years of development," said Pat McCloskey, a Yellowknife Rotarian. Eventually, the club would like to see a wooden pathway running along the shoreline, giving pedestrians an opportunity to see the wildlife.

Right now they are focusing on finishing a gravel path around the park area.

The park is a co-operative effort between the city and the 35-year-old Yellowknife Rotary Club.

City workers take care of the grass while Rotary has been building a path and two small foot bridges over a stream.

The partnership on the park was due to good timing, says McCloskey.

"(The city) had the park and we needed a project to take on."

Work on the park, which began last fall, takes place on Saturday mornings with a group of dedicated Rotarians.

"We usually get a crew of about eight to 12," said Janet Robinson, who was recently sworn in as president of the Yellowknife club.

Yellowknifers are already pleased to see some grass and a semblance of order in what used to be just an empty lot, says Robinson.

"We're happy to see that people are already enjoying it," Robinson said.

Rotary honours

The Yellowknife Rotary Club recently received the Arthur Balfour Award for "excellency in promoting Rotary."

The award was presented by the Rotary District, which includes the NWT, Alberta and part of B.C.

The Yellowknife club also recognized Peter Vician and Gary Vivian for outstanding commitment to community involvement. The two were presented with Paul Harris Fellowships.