The Rotary Club of Lake Conroe has completed Phase I of a unique park alive

with trees and plants, a bird sanctuary, a large pond with a duck nesting area, and so much more. A rainwater conservation project waters the gardens; a wildlife

garden will soon wind its’ way around the water’s edge; a butterfly garden will provide hours of nature study; a walking trail rims the pond, which is home to

many species of aquatic life; there are benches for relaxing, pavilions for study or lunch, a meditation arbor, and a stunning waterfall that is the most dramatic piece

of the park.

How was the park named?

In October of 2005, when this journey began, in committee we called this project “The Memory Garden”. As it grew, the working name became “Memory

Park”. Many people in the community submitted thoughtful suggestions for the permanent name. All were reviewed, but the major donors were all in consensus

that the park should not be named for any one person or group, but rather areas of the park would be named for honorees. Over time, the simple Memory Park just

seemed to be the right choice. Several people submitted Memory Park as their name of choice, and they have been honored with pavers in the park.

Where is the park?

The Park is adjacent to the new Charles B Stewart Library in Montgomery.

Phase 1 – dedicated June 28, 2008 - includes the waterfall, rose garden, arbor and walking trail. Because a park such as this one is truly a living, breathing creature,

it will never really be “finished” – it will simply mature and become more beautiful as it moves through time.

How do I become involved?

Everyone is invited to become part of this effort. Service clubs, school and church groups, garden clubs are already participating. Organizations may adopt an

area of The Park or assist with workdays to plant or build. Work in the park will

qualify for Community Service hours for students in many honors programs and

service clubs. Shepherds For the Savior, The National Charity League and Texas Parks and

Wildlife have already adopted areas of the park. Texas A&M students and The Lonestar Groundwater Conservation District have a project; a young Eagle Scout

has multiple projects; The Bentwater Garden Club purchased the first bench, and several more benches followed in rapid succession.

While every project must pass through a review process we are very open to new ideas and suggestions. Water conservation is important to us, so only native

and naturalized Texas plant life will be used. We will carefully control the number of structures in the park in order to maintain a natural and serene setting.

You may enter the world of Memory Park as a stranger, but you will leave as a friend! All who work in the park will receive a special wrist band/bracelet,

designed as a Thank You for our park volunteers, with our slogan “Growing A Memory”.

Who decides when and where my memorial will be placed? We urge donors to focus on the areas being built first, of course, but we will try

to honor all requests for placing a memorial in a specific location. The park is being built almost entirely through volunteer efforts and in-kind donations from

contractors, so construction progress will depend on the availability of those generous citizens. Therefore, we can’t commit to a date for placements until a

specific project has been completed. Because of the very personal nature of the park, we urge donors to come and walk the site with us and find your perfect

location and type of memorial. We believe you too will feel the magic!

How do I donate? This park began when two local residents opened their hearts and their

pocketbooks. First, Rotarian Don Carter donated the funds for the construction of The Shane Carter Rose Garden, the park’s initial project, in honor of his wife, who

had passed away only a few months earlier. The park took a dramatic turn a few

months later when a local philanthropist donated the funds for a stunning waterfall. These donations were incredibly generous, and form the cornerstone

projects in the park. Donations from individuals who wish to honor or memorialize their loved ones

will take many forms - Trees, benches, and pavers may be dedicated in the name of a loved one, or to mark a special occasion or to say Thank You to someone

There are no restrictions on the “why” of a donation. Costs are as follows: Benches $2,000.00 ** Backless Benches $1,500.00

Trees $ 500.00 ** Shrubs and Small Trees $250.00 Pavers $ 150.00 ** Gliders (Swings) $2500.00

How will my donation be used?

A portion of each donation is set aside for maintenance and the long-term care and upkeep of the park. This long range economic planning will assure that

the park will endure as a lasting part of our Texas heritage and our community. Careful attention to detail and architectural controls assure a design that will

provide generations of beauty and tranquility, while honoring and memorializing our heroes and loved ones.

What else can I do to help?

SPREAD THE WORD! Tell everyone you know about this special place!

Who should I contact for more information?

Kris Nordstrom McBride is the Park Committee Chair.

Email at KRISRCLC@aol.com, or by phone at 936 228-5111, VM #3

Photos and progress reports may be viewed at

www.lakeconroerotary.org

“Library Park Project” and “Photo Album”

All donations for Memory Park should be made payable to

The Rotary Club of Lake Conroe Foundation

P O BOX 1252 *** MONTGOMERY, TX 77356

A 501(C) 3 Charitable Organization

The Park Committee meets as needed on Thursdays at The Memory Park site at 8:45 A.M.

Additionally, a work day is scheduled for Rotarians and other volunteers the 3rd

Saturday of each month. Call for more information. The intent is to chart our course on a monthly basis, meet citizens who have

questions or want to participate. The nature of the project will allow us to work

concurrently on multiple projects scattered around the park, with several groups working at once, as long as we are all on the same page.

This is YOUR official invitation to join us!

Come, walk the site with us and see first hand the progress we are making

Memory Park Projects to Date

As of The Summer of 2010

Park Land Donated to the county by

Philip and Holly LeFevre and their Family

The Shane Carter Rose Garden Donated by Don Carter

The Waterfall The Hidden Treasure of Memory Park, tucked behind

the east side of The Library, not seen until you are almost upon it!

The Dr Charles Johnson Arbor Donated by Shepard’s for The Savior

“Tatanka” The life size buffalo that stands watch over Memory Falls

The Gardens

Butterfly Garden Wildscape Garden

Future Project Future Project

The Garden of Two Stephens Celebrating the Friendship of a young boy and an older man,

both named Stephen; both have passed away recently

McKay’s Garden

In memory of young McKay Everett, this garden captures McKay’s spirit in the sculpture of a young boy and his dog,

looking as if they are running through the woods, without a care in the world

The Hazel Snodgrass Garden

A gift from her daughters, the garden overlooks the water, with a heron, one of her favorite birds, at water’s edge

The Westlake Sapphire Garden

In honor of the Westlake’s 45th (sapphire)

wedding anniversary

The Veteran’s Tribute Garden

Built by Michael Kirby as his Eagle Scout Project, the garden is awash in shrubs flowering in waves of red, white and blue

The Shakespeare Garden Built by Mark Wakefield as his Eagle Scout Project,

The garden is encircles a bust of Shakespeare

The Doris Childress Smith Garden

Donated by Mrs. Smith’s family in memory of her and to honor her love for the library. When Mr. Smith

Passed away the following year, his children added to the garden

The Clifford Dozier Garden

Known as “The Montgomery Rose”, Mr. Dozier grew roses on the school campus and a rose to a staff member each day

The Bridges

The Don Carter Bridge Donated by Tommy and Mary Anne Metcalf to honor

Don Carter’s dedication to Memory Park Build by Eagle Scout Chris Ammons with his family and friends

The John Sadler Bridge

Built by John Sadler as his Eagle Scout Project,

to honor the legacy of his Grandfather, Dr. Deane L. Sadler.

The Miller Bridge

Donated by The Miller Family to honor their loved one, Matthew Miller.

The Metcalf Madeley Bridge

Donated by Tommy and MaryAnne Metcalf to honor their families

The Educational Signs

Signs for Phase I

Funded by a Grant from Entergy

BRAILLE Funded by a Grant from The Conroe Noon Lions Club

and The Montgomery Lions Club

Rainwater Harvesting Project Study donated by Texas A&M Students

Rodrigo Guadarrama, Blake Howard and Fernando Valadez

Rainwater Conservation Grants

Rainwater Harvesting Tank Grant from The Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District

Installed by Jim Bunchse, Mr. Drip Irrigation Rainwater Gardens Rotary District 5910 Grant

In addition to the above, The Rotary Club of Lake Conroe wishes to

Thank and Recognize The following individuals and businesses that have given of their time, talent and

treasure to make the park what it is.

We are forever in their debt:

FUNDRAISING:

“The Concert For The Park” January 2007

Hosted By:

The Ark Family Church

Performers: Matteo Galli, organ

Francesco Attesti, piano

Flute Ensemble, from The Conroe Symphony Orchestra Kim Bellini Stephanie Harris

Suzanne Pearce Jody Westerhold

Brabham Middle School Choir Under the Direction of Paulette Wells

The Montgomery High School Choir

Under the Direction of Heather Orr Accompanied by Mrs. Lou Leonard

Master of Ceremony, Wayne Hickman

Underwriters, Contributors and Volunteers: Don Carter Judy Campbell

Bernhardt Winery

The Italian Grill The Conroe Symphony

The Montgomery County Performing Arts Society The National Charity League

The Montgomery HS Interact Club Harvey Stanley, Piano Tuner

Church Organs of Houston Forshey Piano Company

Rick Adams, Walden Yacht Club The Charles B Stewart Library

Gary and Lorrie Parker Malcolm Pepper, Four Flags Productions

Edward Jones and Company Gary and Janet Milleson

Marsha Cashdollar

Edwin, Leesa and Ed Hoff The Conroe Art League

Peggy Miller Jackie Barker

The Courier And All who purchased tickets

PARK CONSTRUCTION:

Montgomery County officials, especially County Commissioner Mike Meador

Corliss O'Shaughnessy, MC Parks Director Carter & Burgess

Engineering and Design Assistance

Shirley and Sons Bulkheading Bulkheading Services

Montgomery Dozer & Construction

Backfill and Materials

J K Graphics

Temporary Signs

Montgomery County Library System JeriLynn Williams

Beverly Christopher Eagle Scout Edwin Hoff

Planting of Oak Trees And other park projects

The Fairweather Group, Russell Miller, Sr.

And Rickey Delahoussaye, Jr. (Project manager)

Peter and Chris Wakefield and their staff

Wakefield Landscape Services Design and Implementation

Members of The Rotary Club of The Woodlands Members of The Rotary Club of Lake Conroe, their

Families and many friends

The Fraternal Order of Woodsmen, Montgomery And their families and friends

CONTRIBUTORS – TREES, ROSES, BENCHES AND PAVERS:

Now too numerous to list, each gift is appreciated

The Rotary Club of Lake Conroe

“We Know Why We Are Here”