Oberlin Rotary Centennial Project

Martin Luther King Jr. Park - Oberlin,
Ohio
During Rotary International's Centennial Year
(2004-05), RI President Glenn E. Estess, Sr.
challenged each of the over 31,000 Rotary clubs
throughout the world to undertake a centennial
project. He indicated that the "Centennial
Community Projects are an excellent way to
publicize the Rotary Centennial locally and
leave a lasting memento of this anniversary
in thousands of communities worldwide."

The Oberlin club took on the task of beautifying
Martin Luther King Jr. Park which is 1.5 acres and
resides adjacent to the Oberlin City Hall. The park
has significant historical importance and was in
dire need of attention.

Following the initial work in 2004, Centennial
President Pat Holsworth stated, "Many Rotarian
hours were spent last spring and summer
fixing up the Martin Luther Park. The paths,
much overgrown, were cleared; weeds were
pulled; flowers were planted and mulch was
spread. Keep your eyes on the sign as spring
approaches. We planted over 200 daffodils
last fall and I can hardly wait to see the
result."

The result is beautiful! Under the leadership of
Centennial President Pat Holsworth, the club
continues to focus time on this project.

Four monuments stand in MLK Park. The first
monument was erected for the three Oberlin men
killed as a result of John Brown’s raid on Harpers
Ferry. Another monument pays tribute to the
Wellington-Oberlin rescuers and a third is a
unique monument to Martin Luther King, Jr. The
Oberlin Rotary has also placed a stone
marker commemorating Rotary's Centennial
Year and the clubs continuous commitment
to the park.

Inscription on the Stone Marker
The Rotary Club of Oberlin joined Rotary clubs across the globe in an array of
activities and service projects to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Rotary
International in 2005. Under the banner of "Service Above Self," the Oberlin
Rotary club adopted Martin Luther King, Jr. Park spending countless hours on
park improvements. As Rotary enters its second century, Oberlin Rotary pledges
its continued support to this park so it can be enjoyed by residents and visitors.
Oberlin Rotary Club 2004-05