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The Beaver Dam Rotary has recently expanded the number of outdoor musical instruments located along the Riverwalk Park by adding a colorful set of Rainbow Sambas and tall Tubular Bells - making it even more appealing to music makers, solace seekers, and strollers of all ages.
The idea for the popular Riverwalk music trail began when the Beaver Dam Rotary Club decided to add a park, beautify a space, and create a gathering place for young and old alike. Beaver Dam residents Judy and Tom Heffron stepped up with an idea to add dimension and creative play to the site. Judy Heffron, a musician with the Beaver Dam area Orchestra and a former music teacher for the Beaver Dam School Distric,t had always wanted outdoor instruments in the community.
“When we read that Rotary was creating a park downtown, we loved the idea because that is where we live,” Judy Heffron said. “The outdoor musical instruments just seemed to be a great fit because of the space available. Having been an elementary music teacher, there is a real draw to instruments. The drums are so colorful that kids just run to them, and the chimes and xylophones have excellent sound quality. We have also noticed that they appeal to grown-ups. Everyone seems to get caught up in making music.”
Their idea was readily received and acted on by Rotary and the city. According to Phil Fritsche, Beaver Dam Chamber of Commerce president and Rotary member, Rotary’s $10,000 contribution created something lasting, educational, and fun downtown.
“The park is a legacy for the city of Beaver Dam from the Beaver Dam Rotary,” Fritsche said. “The addition of the outdoor, permanently installed musical instruments has attracted people of all ages, and there has been a universal appreciation of them.”
A Soprano Quartet Ensemble was installed in November 2017 and the Rainbow Sambas and Tubular Bells were added this fall. All were donated by the Heffron family.
“We love what Rotary has done to make the riverwalk a special place and were happy to donate the instruments,” Heffron said.
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