The installation of two wooden table tops and seating has completed a project by Clare High School students this year which included planting trees in a new area several months ago.
The tables and seating were manufactured and erected by the Clare High School Year 11 Outdoor Construction Group class, supervised by teacher Ben Seymon.
This involved the students in both metalwork skills (fabrication and welding of frames), and woodworking (table tops and seats).
With Clare Lions Club President Allan Mayfield and members David Kleinig and Art Yandell on hand to monitor progress, the seven students quickly assembled the wooden structures on site.
Then using an auger the young workers dug six holes before fixing the tables in position with concrete.
Funding for the latest project came from proceeds this year’s Combined Schools and Pre-schools Walkathon.
“Working with groups like Lions is an excellent way for these students to connect with the community,” Ben Seymon said.
Meanwhile the Wetlands has farewelled one of its mainstays.
“It is sad to see Dave Clarke depart Clare,” Lions president Allan Mayfield said.
“Dave has put in thousands of hours to develop the Wetlands and we wish him and his wife all the best as they head to WA to live with family.”
Meanwhile, latest data compiled by the Clare Lions shows that there has been a huge spike in people spending time in the Wetlands.
Visits peaked at more than 24,000 in 2020, an increase of more than 7000 on the 2019 figures.
Foot traffic between April-May last year showed more than 5700 visitors, double the previous 12 months, reflecting changed habits and time availability due to COVID-19.
And foot traffic continues to increase at a healthy rate, suggesting the overall 2021 figures could get close to last year’s record numbers.
