Grand Opening Scheduled for New Butterfly Oasis at Hammock ParkDUNEDIN - The newest attraction at Hammock Park is a lovely butterfly garden-an ideal spot to watch natural beauty take flight. The new garden, created for the enjoyment of the entire community, features 11 beds with 225 plants in 40 varieties. Crushed shell pathways lead visitors through a flowering display of butterfly favorites. Tucked away on a quiet side street, local gem Hammock Park is home to more than 35 species of butterflies. Join the Friends of the Hammock from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 18, for the Grand Opening celebration of the new Hammock Park Butterfly Garden. Located next to historic Andrews Memorial Chapel in Hammock Park (1900 San Mateo Dr., Dunedin) the garden is easily accessible from Clearwater by traveling north on Alt. 19, turning right on Mira Vista Drive, and left on San Mateo Drive. The event will be held rain or shine. The family-friendly Grand Opening celebration will include:
The community garden is the inspiration of Friends of the Hammock, a local nonprofit group dedicated to preserving the park. Steve Fasnacht, President of Friends of the Hammock said, "I am proud that our small group of volunteers tackled this ambitious project in partnership with the Dunedin Parks Department and Eagle Scout Troop 422. Our garden oasis will draw visitors to Hammock Park while providing a valuable habitat for native butterflies." The garden was recently certified as an Official Butterfly Sanctuary by the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs, Theresa and James Polgar spearheaded the project by designing the garden, drafting a budget, raising funds, selecting plants, and overseeing the installation. The garden was installed by a group of volunteers led by Eagle Scout Sean Deeb, with the help of the Dunedin Parks Department staff including Art Finn and Glenn Bechtle. Founding benefactors who provided startup funding for the garden include Herb and Martha Donald, Bob Young, Pat Jennings, Allan Donald, Ellie Keithly, Theresa and Jim Polgar, and Friends of the Hammock. For more information, visit www.hammockpark.org or e-mail info@hammockpark.org.
|