MARIETTA – What began as a community request to City Councilman Tom Vukovic for a place to hold Sunday picnics culminated Friday in the dedication of a new pavilion at Flanders Field.

“This is the best Flanders has ever looked,” said Marietta Mayor Joe Matthews of his old stomping grounds. “This field has a special place in my heart.”

The new pavilion, four extra-long picnic tables, and landscaping were all made possible through monetary donations of the Kiwanis Club, city council appropriated funds and a grant from the Department of Housing and Community Development. Labor for the project was donated by the Washington County Career Center and the owner of West Side Safe and Gun and C. F. Ditchendorf Contracting, said Chip Ditchendorf, 47, of Marietta.

“What’s nice is that the city took the opportunity to use their resources for something that has quite a bit of potential to help the neighborhood grow for the better,” said Ditchendorf. “It’s a positive draw to the town and a perfect example of when you have a vision and apply your talents and are proactive and get people involved, its nice to see the town come together.”

“Chip saved this project,” said Vukovic.

Ditchendorf’s contracting business rests across Pearl Street from the field and not only housed materials overnight for the safety of residents, but was also according to Vukovic, instrumental in the moving of materials and waste from the project.

Construction of the pavilion, including the laying of a concrete base, was completed by the building technology class of the career center.

Superintendent of the center, Dennis Blatt, 61, of Williamstown, said it was a great opportunity for some real world experience for the adult education class.

“It was a good hands-on project for the class doing real work,” he said. “The career center is please to be a part of the community and for our students to do something for the people of Marietta.”

The two instructors of the class are Alan Hall and Mark Tenney. Multiple attendees of the dedication Friday continued to remark on the workmanship of the structure. Tenney pointed out that because the wood used is already treated, “it’s less maintenance in the future and allows for money for other things.”

Not only were time and funds donated to complete the project, but also the architectural plans for the pavilion were donated by architect Mike Johnson. Both Vukovic and Development Director Andy Coleman said without that donation, and the money given by the Kiwanis club, the project would not have been possible.

“We’re just happy to help the children and we’re really pleased to do this,” said Jan Seaman, of Barlow, president-elect of the Kiwanis club.

The club donated $3,500 to the project and Coleman announced that an additional $2,800 of grant funds have been acquired to be spent on updates for the playground equipment, electricity for the pavilion, and eventually renovations to the public bathrooms on the grounds.

The total cost for the project came to $15,000. It continues an enterprise that began in 1921 when city council members and 14 Marietta residents came together to purchase the property. The original deed of the land states that the park forever be maintained as a ball diamond, public playground and recreation center for the people of Marietta. City council accepted the donation of the property in 1923.

Flanders was the first public park on the west side of the Muskingum river in Marietta and the land was originally purchased for $7,000.