Community Gardens | zontacluboflockport

Zonta Locust Street Gardens

History of our Environment Project - Locust Street Park:

In 1994, the Biennium project encouraged clubs to start an environment project in their community.

The Zonta Club of Lockport, New York, Inc. approached the City of Lockport and asked

if we might be able to adopt one of Ida Fritz's gardens which had been neglected

after she was no longer able to care for them.

We adopted the Locust Street Park in the spring of 1995 and eight Zontians

began resurrecting her two flower beds. The original 8 Zontians who started

volunteering at Locust Street park in 1995 are:

Alice Hall, original Chair until 1998

Charlene Bower, became Chair 1998

Thea Brandt

Christa Caldwell

Lorraine Sparks

Carol Spedding

Sandra Thurston

Dorothy Webster

Charlene, Carol, Lorraine and Sandra are still involved, maintaining the gardens today.

In 1996, we then approached other service organizations to join us

and adopt other locations around the City.

There are now 29 parks and green spaces adopted and being cared for

by several local individuals and service organizations.

In 2021, the Zonta Club was awarded a Grant from the Niagara Bridge Commission, sponsored by Taren LaGamba of the Historic Parks, to replace the deteriorated wooden boarders.

Chris Landry, Parks Superintendent of the City of Lockport, graciously provided his staff to install it for us as well as upgrading the edging at the West Avenue Welcome Sign.