By reporter Steven Smalley
We see their work every day, a whoosh of color as we drive by on the way to our urgent destinations (special recognition to the speed demons flying down Viewmont Way). The delightful flowers and trees that sprout and mature on an unheralded traffic separator don’t appear by DOT magic. No, it takes dedicated volunteers. In this case, the members of the Carleton Park Garden Club donate labor, tools, and materials – with no help from the city – to keep the median at 34th Avenue West and McGraw blooming.
Sarah O’Neill, Magnolia homeowner and mom, is a landscape architect by trade. She and members of the garden club set aside several dates during the growing season to tend the soil and lend a hand.
“The club maintains the median, and also the Gateway south of the baseball field,” O’Neill explains.
You know the Gateway if you recall seeing the tall orange stanchions which artistically adorn the area adjacent to home plate.
“We meet about once a month and do a volunteer effort with the group. The median is between the veterinary clinic and Magnolia’s Restaurant and Lounge,” O’Neill says. “We add mulch, pick up trash, and generally clean up.”
From an historic standpoint, the Carleton Park Garden Club has been together since 1940, and perhaps even longer.
“We love these projects,” says O’Neill. “We enjoy getting out. A lot of us walk by these almost daily. We’re proud of our space.”
Sarah O’Neill, Magnolia homeowner and mom, is a landscape architect by trade. She and members of the garden club set aside several dates during the growing season to tend the soil and lend a hand.
“The club maintains the median, and also the Gateway south of the baseball field,” O’Neill explains.
You know the Gateway if you recall seeing the tall orange stanchions which artistically adorn the area adjacent to home plate.
“We meet about once a month and do a volunteer effort with the group. The median is between the veterinary clinic and Magnolia’s Restaurant and Lounge,” O’Neill says. “We add mulch, pick up trash, and generally clean up.”
From an historic standpoint, the Carleton Park Garden Club has been together since 1940, and perhaps even longer.
“We love these projects,” says O’Neill. “We enjoy getting out. A lot of us walk by these almost daily. We’re proud of our space.”
Prior to the Garden Club’s participation in median maintenance, another Magnolia resident, Jenny Carlson had the vision. It was her leadership and volunteer effort that planted the initial greenery in the space. She and friends took care of it for years. Subsequently, Carlson has retired and moved away, according to O’Neill.
Look for the next round of median work April 21, 10 a.m-12 noon. Mark your calendar and help out.
When asked if people ever express anything while they are working O’Neill says, “Sometimes we get a, ‘Hey, thanks.’”
To get involved contact Sarah O’Neill: sarahconeill@gmail.com
A special tip of the hat goes out to general manager Tom Powell (corrected) of Key Bank, which is situated kittycorner to the median. He and his team will dig the dirt along with the work detail April 21, and he will ask business associates in the Village to donate needed materials.
“Call it a collaborative effort. We’re in partnership with the Garden Club that will provide horticulture expertise while we do what we can,” says Powell. “Key Bank has always encouraged us.”
Thanks to all who add a little color to our world.