Glenwood Springs Club History

Our Club was Chartered in June, 1944
The Glenwood Springs Kiwanis Club was chartered on June 28, 1944 with the Grand Junction Kiwanis Club as our sponsor. The first president was W.R. Greenman. Early projects were Kid's Day, building Veltus (Kiwanis Park), and City Beautification (tree planting). Glenwood Springs is designated as a "Tree City USA" by the arbor day organization. In 1954, the first pancake breakfast was hosted. Click here to read the minutes from 1944!
Kiwanis Park Project
In 1953, under the leadership of President Bruce Issacson, and discussion within the club, the idea of establishing a park on City property was developed. The park was to be located in West Glenwood. West Glenwood in those days was the property on the west side of the Roaring Fork River. This was the start of Kiwanis Park. 1953 summer was spent cleaning brush and making plans for equipment and shelters and designing the layout of the park. The work was only started this summer and plans were made to continue the work during future years.
The Hanging Lake Trail Project
This picture shows several Kiwanis members working on the board walk at Hanging Lake. I am sure many of our newer members may not be aware that our Club was responsible for the current boardwalk at the Lake. For several years under the leadership of our Kiwanis member Stan Speck the Club undertook work related to the Hanging Lake Trail and the boardwalk around the lake.
In 1994 our Club provided major work on restoring and rebuilding the boardwalk. This was done in conjunction with the Boy Scouts at the time. A few years later we did a major repair to the boardwalk when a very large rock had descended, breaking a portion of the walk. Other years we did miscellaneous repair and clean up along the trail. This project lasted approximately 10 years. We have talked to people from White River National Forest in the past few years about resuming this project, but there seems to be little interest from the Forest Service.
The Special Olympic Torch
	Bill Slattery holds the Club’s Special Olympic Torch. Bill made this torch in the early 1990’s and it is still used each year at the Special Olympics torchlight parade down Sunlight Mountain. The torch was also carried across the State of Colorado by a series of volunteers.

Kid's Day Project, 1945

Kid's Day, 1954

Kiwanis Club History

The Kiwanis organization was founded in Detroit, Michigan in 1915. The name Kiwanis is derived from an Indian word meaning "to make oneself known." In 1916 Kiwanis became in international organization founding the Kiwanis Club of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. In 1962 worldwide expansion was approved. Before 1987, Kiwanis was a male-only organization but after years of debate and growing support, women’s membership was received overwhelmingly.

The current Historian for our club is: Chuck Brenner cfbrenner@rof.net