Derby/Shelton Rotary Club

The Pavilion Is Open!

The Derby-Shelton Rotary Pavilion is now officially open after a formal dedication ceremony which took place inside the pavilion on September 4, 2012. Rotary President Mary Ellen Samatulski served as emcee for the event. Other speakers included Shelton Economic Development Director, Jimmy Ryan, and Shelton Mayor, Mark Lauretti, gave a history of the city's involvement of the project. Both men pointed out the role that State Representative Dick Belden had played in the years prior to his death in working tirelessly on behalf of the city to make the transformation of the "Slab" into an incredible community asset now getting an exclamation point in the form of the new pavilion.

Rotarians Dave Grant and Ernie Luise, who played a major role in driving the project from the Rotary side presented Lauretti and Ryan with Paul Harris Awards on behalf of the Rotary Club.

Ryan, Lauretti, Samatulski and Belden's widow, Bert Belden then cut the ribbon marking the grand opening. Click here for more pictures and watch for video still to come.

Click here for earlier pictures taken before the pavilion was completed.

Earlier story and pictures from the construction:

This is a project that is generational in scope. It is about building community, not just building a facility. This vibrant hub of our community will be dedicated to the memory of Richard O. Belden. It will be a destination where we can meet, relax, learn and have fun together, providing diverse opportunities for new experiences and friendships.

Building a pavilion on the Shelton Riverfront is a cooperative effort of the Derby-Shelton Rotary Club, the city of Shelton, private donors and supporters. The project is now moving to final design and bidding overall the winter months with construction anticipated next year, subject to any final approvals of the City of Shelton.

The project is being designed by Tate and Associates of Fairfield, CT.

Click here for a larger poster showing the original design.

Rotarians, donors and city officials broke ground on October 29, 2010.