Making a Difference Together
Latrobe rotary community park/school
As the Rotary Club of Latrobe approached its 75th anniversary in 1996, members sought a landmark project to honor the club’s legacy of service. A committee of past presidents proposed improving Youngstown Field, a parcel owned by the Greater Latrobe School District near the Junior/Senior High School campus. Following the club’s proposal, the district approved the project, agreeing to name the area Latrobe Rotary Community Park/School. The Rotary Club committed $75,000 over five years to enhance the facilities, creating a high-quality sports and recreation area that would also serve as an outdoor classroom for environmental study.
The first phase included installing water and electric lines, a road and parking spaces, security lighting, and signage. The existing softball and soccer fields were upgraded, and additional fields were constructed. Later, the club added a 30x60-foot pavilion with utilities, picnic tables, a serving counter, and secure storage. Surrounding the pavilion, brick walkways and nearby restroom facilities were also installed.
To improve safety, enhance beauty, and address stream bank erosion, the club initiated an ongoing tree maintenance plan along the stream. The overall investment has far exceeded the initial $75,000 commitment, with continuous improvements funded by our annual golf outing and grants from our Special Projects Fund.