[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 82 (Wednesday, June 19, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1099]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1099]]
         PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE HIGH NOON ROTARY CLUB OF DURANGO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 19, 2002

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
pay tribute to the High Noon Rotary Club, an organization that has 
selflessly worked towards the creation of the new Rotary Youth Park 
Amphitheater in Durango, Colorado. The work of President Petra Lyon, 
Jeff Brown and the Board of Directors of the High Noon Rotary Club is 
responsible for many welcomed additions to the Durango community, not 
least of which is this new Rotary Youth Park which is to be dedicated 
this week.
  The creation of this Rotary Youth Park has been several years in the 
making, beginning as the High Noon Rotary Club quickly capitalized on 
the idea of building a youth park for the children of Durango. By 
organizing a string of meetings with the City of Durango Parks and 
Recreation Department director Cathy Metz in the summer of 1999, the 
first steps were taken towards the reality of a new youth park. In 
November of that year it was decided that the plans for the Rotary 
Youth Park would be pursued along with the possibility of several other 
outdoor facilities, which would be located close to the new Durango 
Community Recreation Center. The fact that this dream has become 
reality is a testament to the commitment and vision, which the entire 
High Noon Rotary Club has for the entire Durango community. Funds from 
the annual High Noon Rotary Golf Tournament were collected over a 
three-year period and in January of 2000 the board committed a 
substantial check for the construction of the Rotary Youth Park.
  Since its founding on May 1, 1979, the High Noon Rotary Club has 
shown an unmatched passion for the children of Durango. After 23 years, 
the club's service remains focused on projects that support youth while 
also beautifying the Durango community. The Durango Rotary Club has 
created numerous valuable public parks and meeting spaces, including 
the original High Noon Rotary Park in downtown Durango and the Durango 
Animas River Trail. Furthermore, over the years the High Noon Rotary 
Club has also been responsible for constructing the new soccer fields 
at the Animas Valley School.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to celebrate the opening of the new Rotary 
Youth Park Amphitheater and to applaud the hard work and dedication 
displayed by the High Noon Rotary Club. The Rotary is an invaluable 
part of the Durango community and their commitment to the youth of 
Durango serves as an inspiration to us all. My appreciation goes to the 
High Noon Rotary Club for all their efforts.

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