Rotary Clubs Unite for Visionary Centennial Legacy Project

The Rotary Clubs of Woodland are collaborating to launch a significant initiative called the “Centennial Legacy Project,” set to coincide with their centenary celebration on April 19, 2026. The three clubs involved—Noon Rotary Club, Woodland Sunrise Rotary, and Luna Vista Rotary—aim to create a lasting improvement that will benefit the city for generations. They are actively seeking input from the public to identify a project that embodies their vision of a “visible, long-lived improvement.”

In discussing the project, Aniek Pflager, the incoming president of the Noon Rotary Club for the 2025-26 term, emphasized the desire for this milestone to transcend mere celebrations. “We want a project that fills an unmet need—something that our community will be proud of in year 100 and year 150,” she stated. The clubs are looking for proposals that offer broad community impact, particularly those that serve vulnerable groups such as youth and seniors.

The Rotary Clubs have outlined specific criteria for the project: it should be enduring and visible, feasible, and foster collaboration through partnerships and volunteer opportunities. This initiative follows a rich history of civic engagement in Woodland, where various organizations have made significant contributions over the years.

Looking back, the early 20th century saw the establishment of numerous clubs, including the Women’s Improvement Club, which made substantial contributions to local infrastructure, such as the Woodland Public Library and City Park. The club’s efforts in 1909 to acquire land for a park exemplify the long-standing tradition of community service in Woodland.

Ideas for the Centennial Legacy Project are encouraged to be innovative and impactful. Potential projects could include the development of a new park in the Business & Technology Park, located east of Highway 113 near County Road 25A, or the establishment of a visitor center at the Woodland Regional Park. Another option might be creating a museum dedicated to local history, potentially at the former LDS Church on Cottonwood Street, which is currently listed for $2.5 million.

Community members interested in contributing their ideas can do so by visiting woodlandrotary.org and completing the Centennial Suggestion Form, or by emailing their proposals to [email protected] by December 1, 2025. This initiative not only aims to celebrate a century of service but also to reinforce the spirit of community engagement that has characterized Woodland’s history.

As the Rotary Clubs embark on this ambitious project, they invite the public to join in shaping the future of Woodland, ensuring that the legacy of service continues for many years to come.