Arthur Lions thank Arthur Optimist Club for donation to Brent Barnes Memorial Skate Park

Donation – Two Arthur service clubs set aside their friendly rivalry as Arthur’s Lions and Optimist clubs posed for a photo at the Brent Barnes Memorial Skatepark on Oct. 11, officially commemorating a $15,000 donation from the Optimists to the Lions for the skatepark. The money changed hands earlier in the year and has been spent on construction of the park, which officially opened on July 2. Arthur Optimist Club president Owen O’Donnell said the Lions previously helped the Optimists with funds for the Arthur splashpad and it had come time to return the favour and help out with the skatepark.

“The community should give themselves a pat on the back; we’re doing the organizing, but they’re the ones donating,” O’Donnell said.

Lions Club president Philip Wilman said the Lions “gratefully acknowledge the generous donation” which was made during the club’s annual fundraising campaign.

“Unfortunately, the opportunity to formally recognize the donation was delayed,” he stated. “The long-standing commitment by both clubs to the Arthur community has allowed for many projects to be completed over the years. The Arthur Lions look forward to continuing to work with the Arthur Optimist Club to serve our community.”