Press Release: 04/08/2019 Rotary Club of Scottsdale - Rotarians Experience the New Butterfly Garden at Scottsdale Rotary Park
Submitted by: Dr. Honora Norton, RCS PR Chair
 
Adriane Grimaldi, Butterfly Wonderland's Director of Education, released several butterflies at the new "Butterfly Garden" within Scottsdale's Rotary Park during the Rotary Club of Scottsdale Spring picnic at the Park.  Scottsdale Rotary Park is an eight acre oasis in the heart of Gainey Ranch.
 
The park was originally built by members of the Rotary Club of Scottsdale and then donated to the City of Scottsdale. The park features lighted walking paths, a children's playground, a greenbelt, picnic/BQ ramada, picnic tables, Rotary bicycle rack, a restroom facility and the world's first plaza designed in the shape of the Rotary symbol.  Rotary Plaza is located at 7959 E. Doubletree Ranch Road, Scottsdale, AZ.  This is approximately one mile south of Shea Blvd. and one mile east of Scottsdale Road, on the north side of Doubletree Ranch Road at Gainey Ranch Road. 
 
Per Michelle Holmes, Founder and Program Manager for Scottsdale's Operation Fix It, the pollination butterfly garden with over 125 new plants, 70 new trees, artwork and benches was a recently completed collaborative $10,000 project between Operation Fix It, Republic Services' 120 volunteers, Neighborhood Advisory Commission and the City of Scottsdale's Parks & Recreation Staff (Jody Pierce the Manager of P&R was on hand to celebrate the christening butterfly release). 
 
Additionally, as part of the project, Republic Services volunteers freshly painted "everything" in the park.  As an industry leader, Republic Services provides reliable and responsible recycling and waste disposal services. Republic Services takes pride in being good neighbors by using its resources, products and its staff who volunteer to create stronger, cleaner, healthier places and spaces in the neighborhoods the company serves.
 
While at the park, Ms. Grimaldi provided the Rotarians with an overview of butterfly pollination and migration; the role of bees in pollination; the difference between day-time butterfly and nighttime moth nectar-seeking pollinators; and, and pollinator friendly plant landscaping.  She answered questions about the life-cycle, seasonal migration, and decline of monarch butterflies.  She ended her talk, stating: "if you plant pollinator friendly plants, a wide variety of pollinators will come."  
 
Members and guests of the Rotary Club of Scottsdale enjoyed the Rotary Day at the Park.  Rotarian Carroll Huntress and owner of Scottsdale's Sugar Bowl, provided all the food; while Rotarian Ken Brown and friend of Club, Rob Adler barbecued brats and Patti Miller and Sandy Miller handled setup and beverages; while Rotarian Gil Gifford arranged sound system.  
 
At the event, a tree, donated by Rotarian Jason Brock, was planted at the park in honor of his mother Linda K. Brock.   Planting a tree is a long-lasting opportunity to honor someone and improve the quality and beauty of a Scottsdale City Park. The Scottsdale Rotary Foundation offers naming and/or memorial opportunities (trees, flags, paver bricks and more) at Rotary Park Unity Plaza. 
 
For more information about the Rotary Club of Scottsdale Rotary Park naming opportunities, speakers, projects, programs and meeting dates and locations - see www.scottsdalerotary.org.  Visitors to Club meetings are always welcome - call 480-945-6158.