Lions International President Bob Corlew,left, talks to Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Leah Bolin at the Stiefelmeyer Park ribbon cutting.

Stiefelmeyer Park, a popular neighborhood playground with roots to one of Cullman’s oldest families, is sporting a new addition.

A new playground area was officially introduced Thursday with a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by dozens of people, including Lions Club International President Bob Corlew.

The improvement to the park, which welcomes dozens of children and parents each day after school, was made possible by the fundraising efforts of the Cullman Lions Club. The Lions raised around $30,000 for the project while another $5,000 worth of mulch was provided by First Baptist Church, said Lions member Bill Ruehl.

The land where the park is located once belonged to George and Cornelia Stiefelmeyer and consisted of pasture land and ponds. Cornelia Stiefelmeyer donated a portion of the land to the city to develop a park in the 1960s.

“I’m so grateful the children have this park,” said the Stiefelmeyers’ daughter, Linda. “I still come here and walk every other day. It just makes me feel good to know all this has been done and it connects me back to our family and a lot of memories.”

The arrival of Lions President Corlew was also historic, marking the first time the club’s international president had visited the area. He was making eight stops in Alabama during the week.

Corlew praised community partnerships such as the one formed by the Cullman Lions and the Cullman Parks and Recreation Department.

“I wish we had a Lions Club just like yours all over the world,” Corlew said. “Our motto is ‘Where there’s a need, there’s a Lion.’ We are at our highest level of clubs around the world now. We’ve found that 70 people benefit from every active Lion.”

Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs, also a Lions Club member since 1980, thanked the organization for its commitment to the community.

“They are instrumental in parks and recreation. The Lions Club was a key contributor to Heritage Park,” Jacobs said.

Parks and Recreation Director Nathan Anderson said Stiefelmeyer Park is a popular after-school destination for children and parents.

“Many of our parks have been around for years. When they can be improved like this it gives them new life and serves a wider range of needs,” Anderson said. “This could not have happened without the Lions. So many projects are happening because of them.”

Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Leah Bolin also recognized the Lions ongoing efforts to improve community life.

“You have the heart of gold,” Bolin said. “You do so many things that help people and make our community better.”

The crowd at the ribbon cutting ceremony included several members of the Leo Club from Cullman High School, which is sponsored by the Lions.

 

David Palmer may be contacted at 256-734-2131, ext. 116.