March 22, 2024

ROTARY ROCKS THE BARGE BEGINS SEATING CONSTRUCTION FOR AN END OF MAY COMPLETION

GRAVENHURST — With winter clinging on and ice finally out, Rotarians were celebrating this week as work finally on their 85^th anniversary signature community project.

Rotary Rocks the Barge work began this week with the town’s Rotary Gull Lake Park cordoned off for the next few months as worker dig into what remains of any frost in the ground for rock seating for hundreds this summer across the full front of the hill overlooking the Barge concert stage.

A Powcon construction crew — from Cannington, which won the $500,000 town bidding process — started groundwork and expects to be complete the approximately 100-metre stretch of seating on the two hill halves in time for concerts this summer.

The town is also taking the opportunity to shore up a section of rock in front that was originally built by German PoWs in Gravenhurst during the Second World War who did all the tons stonework, which makes the park so much more unique.

Limited access to the park is available off Third Street, where there is a small parking lot in the outfield of the baseball diamond.

**Construction began this week on Rotary Rocks the Barge with some old boulders shuffled around. Park benches, removed annually for the winter are gone, and some lighting has come down.**

It’s been a major fundraising project for the popular local service club and was meant to mark its 85^th anniversary in 2022.

But after delays and with the help of the town, who let the contract, the two partners are finally on track.

Now thanks to the overwhelming support of Gravenhurst residents, businesses, cottagers and many Muskoka-wide concert-goers who love the summer music series and other events on the waterfront, they will be able to sit on five tiers of rock rows to enjoy the sights and sounds closers to the actions.

Of course none of it will obscure those people who want to sit back up on top of the hill or under the towering pine trees.

Donations are still being accepted by Rotarians. Go to https://www.rotaryrocksthebarge.com/ to donate online and learn more.

A commemorative rock will recognize donations of more than $1,000.