Local service club plants the gardens at Cleveland Circle downtown.
Cleveland Circle is named for pioneering landscape architect Horace Cleveland, who transformed the Twin Cities with his vision for preserving open spaces. In February 1872, he gave a lecture in Minneapolis on the importance of landscape architecture, especially preserving open spaces in rapidly growing cities.
The reaction to his lecture was so positive that he repeated it in St. Paul two nights later. In response, the St. Paul City Council asked for his ideas on parks in St. Paul. His advice influenced the city’s purchase of the lands that became Como Park and Phalen Park.
For 30 years volunteers from St. Paul Rotary have planted and cared for the downtown garden beds at the large intersection of 5th and 7th Streets in front of the Xcel Energy Center.
Volunteer Ken Crabb says “Tending the Cleveland Circle garden has occurred at least since my term as St. Paul Rotary President in 1992-93. I help when I can as I enjoy beautifying the city and helping pollinators as one way to give back to the community. I also enjoy the fellowship and getting to know my fellow Rotarians better.”
Laurie Murphy says “I have been planting Cleveland circle for 11 years. I do it because it’s fun, and I love gardening!”
Inspired? If your club or business is looking for a great group activity, there are park gardens ready to adopt. Learn more here.
