KING CITY — King City Rotary Club and King City Rotary Foundation have completed a centennial project at Broadway Circle, working in partnership with King City in Bloom, the City of King City and Ecology Action for Community Climate Solutions.
The project, endorsed by local partners, included removal of about half the grass in the circle and installation of a circular walking path with six spokes radiating toward a central circle. The design forms a Rotary wheel, the international symbol of Rotary.
The triangular spaces between the paths were planted and placed on a drip irrigation system. The fountain was restored to full operation, and low-level architectural lighting was upgraded.
A Peace Pole was installed at the west end of the project. Rotary International has promoted Peace Poles in communities worldwide, with more than 200,000 installed by Rotary clubs, churches, cities and other organizations.
The pole features the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in English on two sides and Spanish on two sides, along with a QR code linking to information about its history.
A plaque on the Peace Pole reads: “King City Rotary as a Centennial Project, created a Rotary Wheel walking path at Broadway Circle. The Peace Pole is in keeping with the Rotary 4-Way Test. This project honors our valued member, Steve Adams.”
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held April 8 near the fountain, followed by the Peace Pole dedication. King City Rotary President Rob Cullen cut the ribbon.
Honored guests included Brinet Greenlee, District Governor of Rotary District 5230; Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez; Mayor Mike LeBarre; City Manager Jose Arreola; Public Works representative Anthony Storelli; and Denise Mercado of Ecology Action.
King City Rotary, chartered in 1926 by 20 local businessmen, is marking its 100th year of service. The organization has supported schools, community groups and local initiatives throughout its history and was recently recognized as “Friend of the Community” at the King City Chamber Awards event.
“This project is one that many travelers to King City have visited over the years with the overnight accommodations around the circle and some of the best eats like King City Grill on the same feature,” shared Lopez on social media after the ceremony. “Now they will be greeted by beautiful views, a working fountain and pollinators like the hummingbirds we saw zooming around today.”
He added that the improvements reflect community pride and stewardship.
“These investments show care and passion for the space we occupy together, and that greets those who come to visit, showing them that this is a place they should care for too,” Lopez said. “Thank you to all the partners who made it possible.”
