The Cleveland Cultural Gardens are approaching 100 years old and are unlike anything else in the world. This treasure has often been difficult to find and navigate to those unfamiliar with the area. For years, Cultural Garden Federation leaders have wanted to create something to assist visitors in knowing that they are in the Gardens and how to get around.
This vision became a reality thanks to the leadership of Federation past-president Paul Burik and a team of volunteers and helpers. On Sunday August 18, 2013 a ribbon was cut at the new Cultural Gardens Kiosk dedication ceremony. The Kiosk is located on the East side of MLK Blvd and is near the German Garden.
The Kiosk has several panels for visitors to learn from : A Map, Garden Info, History, Federation info and Federation Presidents.
The ceremony began as Sheila Murphy Crawford, president of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation, welcomed the crowd to the dedication and thanked and congratulated Paul Burik, immediate past president of the Garden Federation, for his leadership and project management of the kiosk.
Sheila Murphy Crawford
Paul Burik then spoke about the history of the project and all those who helped it become a reality.
Paul Burik
Next, Sarah Parker, a student from Hawken School in Cleveland performed a terrific rendition of America the Beautiful.
Sarah Parker
Sheila Crawford and Mary Hamlin (and Lolley the Trolley) watch
Paul Burik and Sheila Murphy Crawford cut the ribbon on the new Kiosk.
Mary Hamlin, Executive Secretary of the Garden Federation and British Garden delegate, read a piece from Garden founder and 2nd president Leo Weidenthal that spoke about the harmony of nations and the Gardens.
Mary Hamlin
Sheila Murphy Crawford again thanked Paul Burik as well as Char Crowley and other volunteers for for all their efforts. She told how within 10 minutes of the Kiosk being in place, visitors were already using it to get information.
Sheila Murphy Crawford
Char Crowley and Paul Burik
The dedication ceremony ended with Sarah Parker singing the Star Spangled Banner.
Sarah Parker
Sheila and Paul thank Sarah
Anda Cook, Mary Hamlin and Paul Burik
Paul and Fran Burik
Sheila Murphy Crawford and Paul Burik
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