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CITY OF TALLAHASSEE NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 9, 2007

CONTACT: Bill Behenna, Department of Communications, 891-8533; Michael Cooper, Parks and Recreation, 891-5343

Beverly’s Garden at Dorothy B. Oven Park was recently selected as a winner in the 2007 Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA) Landscape Awards. The park received an Award of Excellence for new installations in the government/institution category. Tallahassee was the only city government to receive an award. Dorothy B. Oven Park is operated and maintained by the City of Tallahassee’s Parks and Recreation Department (TPRD).

"[The City of Tallahassee’s] outstanding display in the field of landscaping only helps to enhance the professionalism of the industry," said Julie Markowitz, industry projects administrator for FNGLA.

Beverly’s Garden began in an undeveloped area of the park as only a vision from Parks and Recreation staff. With support from the Friends of Our Parks Foundation, TPRD was able to get 75 percent of the plant material and hardscapes donated. Now complete, the garden features a waterfall stream, bridge, pond, benches and swing, making this once unused, inaccessible area of Dorothy B. Oven Park one of the most popular gardens in the park.

"The garden was designed and created completely by park staff members," said Michael Cooper, Supervisor of Parks Operations with Parks and Recreation, "so we’re extremely proud to have it recognized as one of the best landscaping projects in the state." Beverly’s Garden is named for the wife of former Parks and Recreation Department director, Randy Trousdell.

The FNGLA Landscape Awards were established in 1969 to recognize landscape excellence in Florida.