Urbana Lions build shelter for community

The recently completed pavilion in Urbana Park is bringing people together already. With a $7,644 grant from the Community Foundation of Wabash County and $1,000 in donations, the Urbana Lions Club created a new space for community events, church suppers, children's activities, picnics by the ball field and much more.

According to grant writer Mary Ann Mast, the motto of the Lion's Club is "WE SERVE." One of the club's goals is to make the communities they are in better for the people in those communities. Since the Urbana Lions Club became the owner of the Urbana school property a few years ago, they have been trying to make the area a place that the community is proud of and where everyone wants to come together, much as they did when there was a school in Urbana.

Construction of the building was completed in October, three new trees have been planted around the building, and further improvements for the area are already underway. Memorial gifts given by families and friends of Lions who have passed away, community members, and Urbana graduates have donated money. Lions are looking for others who would like to donate towards current projects such as the purchase of benches and trash containers, the new concession stand, a different storage shed, and new bleachers for the Little League ball field.

"Sometimes it just takes one project to get things moving," says Mast.

Pictured (from left): David McVicker, Morton Buildings; Marvin Schlemmer, Schlemmer Masonry; Ed Fitch and Mody Eads, Eads Excavating Troy, Inc.; Tracy Trump, Community Foundation of Wabash County; Jennie Terrell, Marvin Mast, Max Chamberlain, Pam Woodall, Urbana Lions Club members; and Mary Ann Mast, grant writer. Not pictured: Marvin Schlemmer of Schlemmer Masonry