Rotary Club to Build Peace Park Near Band Shell

The will build a Peace Park near the Band Shell, one of its members said at the Mayor and Council work session Tuesday.

Rotary member Linda Port presented the plans for the park at the meeting.

The plans include a gazebo with benches, which will house a peace pole, inscribed with the message "May peace prevail on Earth" in several languages. The park will be on property, near the Paramus Band Shell, which the Rotary also built.

"The site the library was able to give us was wonderful," Port said.

Port told the council that the school district's creative arts departments will incorporate the peace pole into their lessons and will present artwork at the park's dedication ceremony, scheduled for June. The dedication will also have a performance by the community orchestra and events for children and families, Port said.

The Rotary Club has raised the funds for the gazebo by dedicating a plaque that will adorn a boulder at the park to the memory of Paramus Rotarians past and present. The club is also looking to sell engraved pavers on the site and work with the plant flora around the gazebo.

Mayor Richard LaBarbiera praised the Rotary's work.

"It's something that the Rotary should be commended for, continuing to be active members of this community," he said.

The Mayor and Council's next meeting is March 22. Councilman Alan Brundage expects to introduce the budget at that meeting.