ABOVE: Fairmont Chamber of Commerce President Kandi Menne (left) and Visit Fairmont Director Brittany Hartman (right) hold the ribbon as Kiwanis officials Betsy Tino and Chuck Anderson cut through the ribbon during a special ceremony at Cedar Creek Park in Fairmont on Thursday.

FAIRMONT–The Fairmont Early Risers Kiwanis held a ribbon-cutting Thursday to celebrate the completion of a shelter at Cedar Creek Park.

Kiwanis Club member Chuck Anderson said the idea for a shelter came about because they wanted to support something permanent.

“We knew that the Disc Golf Club is a bigger deal than most people realize out here,” he said. “What can we do to help them? Then we came up with this area out here, it was like nobody knew it was even here. We wanted to utilize this underutilized end of Cedar Creek Park.”

Currently, there is a 54-hole disc golf course by the shelter, used by casual players and club members who compete in weekly leagues and large events.

The idea was first presented to the Kiwanis board, who Anderson said provided a significant amount for the project. From there, discussions were had with groups like the Martin County Area and Schmeeckle Foundations. A pancake breakfast was held in collaboration with the Disc Golf Club to raise funds as well.

Fairmont Public Works Superintendent Nick Lardy said the structure came as a kit that fit on a few pallets. He said it took two days to set up the structure and two more to finish assembling the roof with boards.

“It’s a nice spot,” Lardy said. “There’s nothing out on the west end of the disc golf course at Cedar Park. People can rest here as they’re making their rounds. If somebody wants to swing by and have lunch here, it’s a place to enjoy the scenery and nature and hang out.”

Former Kiwanis President Betsy Tino said the structure ended up being more beautiful than the club had ever imagined. Anderson said there was a lot of good support from community members and city boards.

There are potential plans for a mini kid’s disc golf course by the shelter for little kids. Tino said overall the shelter is there for whoever wants to use it.

“It can be where friends gather, where families gather, where you come out here and have a peaceful moment and enjoy the beautiful seasons,” she said.