It was a “changing of the key” ceremony recently at the new picnic pavilion in Freeland Park.

Maury Hood, president of South Whidbey Lions Club handed Gene Sears, commissioner of the Port of South Whidbey, the “keys” to Freeland Park.

The gesture was symbolic noting the completion of the pavilion and a two-year beautification project. The keys are actually to the electrical box in the restroom.

Sears then handed them off to Terri Arnold, superintendent of Island County Parks.

Freeland Park is managed by the Port of South Whidbey and Island County Parks is responsible for maintenance and upkeep.

Two years ago, the South Whidbey Lions Club chose to beautify Freeland Park with new landscaping and gardens.

Since then, Lions Club members and community volunteers have clocked 1,290 hours in construction of the covered picnic shelter, 2,381 hours in landscaping and 331 hours of fundraising for the projects in the park.

A tiled walkway leads from the parking lot to the pavilion. Tiles were sold to individuals for $50, larger tiles were sold for $250.

Businesses that donated time or materials were; Rick Brown, architect; Hornshaw Construction excavated for the pavilion, Hanson’s Building Supply contributed construction material at a reduced cost; Al Tuck donated labor and carpenter services during construction of pavilion; Jeff Carty and friends poured the concrete foundation and slab; Target Rentals donated equipment for use during construction; Rempel Brothers Concrete supplied concrete at a reduced cost and donated all the sand backfill, and Nichols Brothers Boat Builders donated the brass plaque installed in the pavilion.