HOWLAND — Township trustees, park board, school board members and Rotary Club gathered over the weekend for a rededication of Richard E. Orwig Park, which had extensive remodeling and improvements done in the past year.

Township Administrator James Pantalone said at Saturday’s event the work would not have been possible without the collaborative effort of different groups.

“This is a huge collaborative effort with additional work still to be done. We have some other projects planned that we will continue to move forward on,” Pantalone said.

Orwig Park was established in 2010 by Howland High School off East Market Street. A marker notes the park’s name near the south section of the park.

Pantalone said the park was dedicated to Richard Orwig, who served the township in different ways for 52 years, including as a longtime trustee and school board member.

Shawn Pompelia of the park board said the board took on the project and met with township officials. They were able to raise $50,000 to cover costs for improvements,

“The money was used to revitalize Orwig Park for the betterment of the community,” Pompelia said while standing by the park gazebo.

He said he also spoke to Tim Orwig to let him know what was planned to honor his grandfather.

“We made sure Richard Orwig’s name was put on a plaque. That way his family and the public will know this park is named for him,” Pompelia said.

The marker is illuminated at night.

He said much was accomplished with the collaborative efforts and funds from many local organizations and groups,

The more than $35,000 project included new lighting, new trees, landscaping, picnic tables, water fountain updates, gazebo repairs, new grass, benches, water filling station for people and a water station for dogs.

Officials noted no taxpayer dollars were used for the project and it all came from donations from many individuals, businesses and organizations.

Orwig Park is used for the Saturday farmers market and summer food truck nights as well as community events on July 4 and during the Christmas season.

“People have told me when the park is decorated at Christmas, it looks like a Hallmark picture. People stop here and take family photos in the gazebo and some have gotten engaged in the gazebo. When you build something and make it nice, people will come here,” Pompelia said.

Howland Rotary President Gary Lehman said the Rotary members were glad to be able to help with the project.

“The club’s motto is service above self and this was a way we could show that,” Lehman said.

Julie Altawil of the Howland school board said she hears from so many people how much they like how the park looks.

Orwig was a lifetime Howland resident and served on the Board of Education for 16 years and as a township trustee for 32 years. He co-founded the Howland Athletic Club in 1954 and was active in the club for 40 years. As a member of the U.S. Army during World War II, Orwig served his country in Iwo Jima, Saipan and Okinawa.

Orwig was known as “Mr. Howland.”

He died in August 2013 at age 87.

In addition to the gazebo, the park has bocce courts and a fountain.