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WHEREAS, Grandview Park, one of the city's hidden gems, is celebrating its 100th Anniversary; and
WHEREAS, in 1863, Grandview Park was known as Fort McKnight and served as a fortification to protect Pittsburgh from attack during the Civil War; and it then became the George T. Robinson Farm and was sold to the City, for $62,000.00, in 1897 and was officially dedicated as a park in 1909; and
WHEREAS, today, this jewel has no greater Ambassador than Don Panella; and
WHEREAS, Donato Panella began work, as a laborer, in the City of Pittsburgh Department of Parks & Recreation, Bureau of Grounds and Buildings, Southern Division, on October 30, 1967; and
WHEREAS, taking care of the park has become more than a job, it is a labor of love, as Don says "Once I was sent here, I kind of fell in love with it."; and
WHEREAS, Don has always been a model employee, going above and beyond what was asked of him, often taking on added responsibilities outside of his 'official' job description; and
WHEREAS, Don takes on many roles, as teacher, sharing his vast knowledge of Grandview Park with school students visiting on field trips; as a mentor to new employees and as tour guide to the thousands of visitors who come to Pittsburgh each year.
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THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh is proud to commend Don Panella for his dedication to and passion for Grandview Park.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does, hereby, declare Saturday, October 3, 2009 to be Don Panella Day in the City of Pittsburgh.