Ads by Google Ads by Google

Lions Park officially recognized with original name

The ongoing mystery of the signs at Lions Park has been put to rest, and a definitive answer has been given by the Director of Parks and Recreation as to the proper spelling of the signs there, and the origin of the name of the park.

 

Earlier this year, Vaito’a Hans Langkilde, who is a charter member of the Lions Club of Pago Pago, posed a question to the Director of Parks and Recreation, Meaata’anoa Pili Gaoteote regarding the spelling of signs in Lions Park, a public park under the jurisdiction of ASG Parks and Recreation.

 

Vaito’a, who has served in many capacities in various community service organizations, is also a past president and past zone chair of the Lions Club.  He asked the director why the park was being referred to as “Lyons Park” and why signs in the park had been changed to “Lyons” spelled with a “y” instead of an “i”.

 

In his letter to Meaata’anoa, he referred to the history of the park, and the fact that its name had originated with the first Lions Club established in the Territory, in the 1950s.  He averred that it was their hard work and dedication which had begun the lovely park, which sits alongside the Pala Lagoon in Tafuna, and Vaito’a noted that he was puzzled as to the recent name change.

 

In response to Vaitoa’s questions, the Director of Parks and Recreation sent a reply dated August 6, 2014.

 

Meaata’anoa said in part, “Pursuant to your letter of April 29, 2014, addressing concerns regarding the name change and spelling of a public park- namely from Lions to Lyons Park in Tafuna, I take this opportunity to respond to your letter.”

 

“After thorough research with relevant agencies and local historians into the account of the namesake attributed to the naming of the public park, and community responses generated from the publicity on the issue through the media, I have concluded in support of your assertion, and therefore, on behalf of the Department of Parks and Recreation recognize the public park in reference officially as the Lions Park spelt with an “i” in Tafuna.”

 

The Parks and Recreation Director also instructed his office regarding the correct spelling of Lions Park henceforth, and told his staff  to “remove any misspelt signs in the park spelt with a “y”.”

 

He concluded, “Thank you for bringing this important issue to my attention, a tribute to forefathers and their families, of the territory’s Lions Clubs of the past for their unselfish community service.”

 

The Director’s letter was read aloud at a recent meeting of the Lions Club, which burst into applause at the letter’s conclusion. The members, who were gathered at the Lions Den, which is in the Lions Park in Tafuna, commended Vaito’a for bringing this matter to the attention of government officials.

 

The Lions Club was originally chartered in the Territory in the 1950s, under the Lions Club of Apia, and when that charter expired, it was reauthorized in 1982 under Charter President Mike Sala, who was elected president of the club four more times in the intervening years.

 

The current club is carrying on traditions established by Lions Clubs around the world, which very often focus on eye care, including vision screening, eyeglass distribution, and corrective surgery. They have partnered locally with the Department of Health, LBJ Medical Center, and with private non-profits such as Benevolent Missions International, to bring eye care to the residents of the territory.

 

The Lions Club is the largest volunteer community service organization in the world, spanning over 200 countries and territories with over 1.35 million members and 46,000 active clubs.  It has made itself felt as a global force for good since its inception in Chicago in 1918.

 

 Wherever they live, Lions follow a simple motto: “We Serve.” They look for ways to serve that are both tailored to the communities where they live, as well as working globally, with trust funds and outreach programs to help people in need, no matter their circumstances.

 

Lions are best known for fighting blindness – it's part of their history as well as their ongoing work today. However, Lions around the world perform volunteer work for many different kinds of community projects – including caring for the environment, feeding the hungry and aiding seniors and the disabled.