Honor, beauty & thanks
Photo from the Harbor Springs Area Historical Society Virgil Haynes Collection titled, "Memorial Day, May 30, 1950." It shows a crowd gathered in bleachers in Zorn Park across from the Memorial Fountain.
Last night, the Parks Board met at City Hall in what seemed like a return to normal. The work the City of Harbor Springs Parks & Recreation staff have done along with volunteers to clean up our parks since our last meeting has been far from normal. In fact, I'd call it downright heroic.
The Board is a friendly band of residents. I am the new guy-and I think sometimes the curmudgeon. Last night it struck me how nice it is to sit and listen to a group who is genuinely thoughtful and cares so much about Harbor Springs.
The main piece of action last night centered around another thoughtful group and their efforts to honor those who have served America in uniform.
To commemorate their 50 years of service to Harbor Springs, the Garden Club presented plans for a new garden to ring the flag pole at Zorn Park. The waterfront has long been the site of annual Memorial services for our community.
The Board voted to support the idea of a garden around the flagpole, designed, planted and maintained by the amazing members of the Garden Club. The Board suggested the garden could be smaller so as not to encroach on the lawn used by many to lounge and play. Additionally, the Board suggested that "hard scape" elements like pavers around the pole could be reduced to increase the beautiful flowers while decreasing the concrete. The group of Master Gardeners are now going to adjust their proposal based on input and then present to the City Council for approval.
The Garden Club was open and willing to listen and accommodate suggestions. They designed the garden to not be too tall, so as not to obstruct any views, and filled with color.
They want to volunteer their time, effort and money to honor their neighbors who served the nation, while celebrating their own 50th anniversary of service to Harbor Springs. It was a great example of the best of Harbor Springs. Thoughtful deliberation with an earnest desire to find a common way forward.
I also learned a few things. Founded in 1976, the Garden Club's 100 members (a few in their 90s) maintain 14 gardens in town. They are a non-profit organization and estimate their members donate 2,700 hours of work to plant and maintain their gorgeous gardens every year. It is a true labor of love we all are fortunate to enjoy.
A huge "thank you" to the Garden Club of Harbor Springs and three cheers on their 50th Anniversary! Learn more about the Club's work on their website: www.harborspringsgardenclub.org