By Sue Bunker, Greendale Lions Club Board Member
from “LIFE IN THE VILLAGE“, SPRING 2021, page 33
The structure in Gazebo Park on Broad Street signifies our “historic downtown.” It is a gathering place, a photo opportunity and a landmark for local residents. Beyond these visual cues, though, it also is a symbol of a vibrant, local club.
Desiring a distinctive place to congregate in the Village, the Greendale Lions Club was the sponsor for the initial building of the Gazebo – raising funds, designing the structure and securing the labor force (including volunteers). In the end, they produced a structure that has not only become an integral part of the Village of Greendale, but also continues to last as a memorial for events, Lions Club members and the families of Greendale. How? The foundation of the Gazebo is a tapestry of bricks that tell their own story of the history of Greendale.
As part of the initial fundraising for the Gazebo, the Lions Club developed the idea of selling bricks so the community could take part in contributing to the Village’s new gathering spot. Advertised as a way to memorialize a family, an individual, a company or a special group of people, residents purchased bricks so their names and/or personalized messages could be part of the base of the Gazebo. The response was overwhelming and the Lions Club sold enough bricks to complete the Gazebo floor. Today, these bricks form a solid foundation on which bands play, weddings take place and prom pictures are taken.
After these initial bricks were sold and installed, the Lions discovered that there was still an interest from many people. With no need to raise funds any longer and not having any space left for bricks on the floor of the Gazebo, the Club had to determine a way to satisfy all of these requests. Exercising their creative spirit, the idea of having bricked paths leading to the Gazebo was decided upon as the solution. The paths were implemented and for many years after the initial fundraising effort, many bricks continued to be sold and installed.
Taking a stroll around the Gazebo, on the paths and (most recently) around the water “bubbler” shows how a community has kept an old tradition alive as the bricks have become more creative in their presentation and wording. Also, the purchasers have become more varied beyond individuals and families. Companies, groups and high school classes now blend with the more familiar names scattered about Gazebo Park. It has been more then 25 years since the Gazebo was constructed (it was dedicated on 8/13/1995). Unfortunately, time can dim the memory of a localized effort that gave residents a sense of ownership in “their” Village. The ability to purchase bricks never stopped, it just landed “under the radar” as a quiet option available. The Lions Club wants to resurrect the idea that owning a piece of the Village of Greendale will always hold meaning for many residents.
Did you know that the tradition of purchasing bricks at the Gazebo still continues today? For only $35, anyone can imprint a name in the history of Greendale. Consider creating a lasting imprint for yourself, your family, a special someone, group or company that will broaden the rich tapestry already in place.
BUY A GAZEBO ENGRAVED BRICK! The Greendale Lions Club is accepting donations for engraved bricks to be placed in the path in front of the gazebo. Brick requests received during the year and before December 1 are installed the following spring. Single bricks will be engraved with names (no message) for a donation of $35. Two or more bricks will be engraved for a donation of $30 each. Applications will be accepted only if corresponding payment is made online for the proper amount. This opportunity has been made even easier: visit the Greendale Lions Club website (greendalelions.org), scroll down to the bottom of the home page and click on “Purchase a Gazebo Brick” on the “How Do I?…” page.
Visit greendalelions.org
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Bricks are now $40 each.