In May 1991, Park City Gardens, formerly known as Merrill Flowers, was created. It was a joint venture between a few volunteers, spearheaded by Donna Block and Patsy Woller, and the Merrill Parks and Recreation Department to bring back the public flower beds formerly seen throughout the city. In 1991, flower plantings were done around the Stange's Park concrete letters, near the sign at Streeter's Square, in urns outside the post office doors, and in the small triangle of land in front of old city hall. This was to be a community project, an opportunity for residents and businesses to help beautify the city and people were needed to donate their talent, plants, time, and money.
Through the energetic efforts of those "pioneers" as well as other community minded people, a dream become a reality. Today, over 25 flower beds grace the streets, parks, parking lots, city entrances, schools and triangles throughout the city. More than 50 volunteers design, dig, plant, weed and maintain the gardens.
In 1995, Donna Block was quoted as saying "Each flower bed has its own story." and, that is still true today. The volunteers decide what to plant in their individualized bed, what the design will be, and it is individually planned for its location, size and shape. Park City Gardens volunteers are a dedicated and talented group of gardeners that are making an effort to beautify Merrill one flower at a time.
Park City Gardens operates on donations received from individuals, civic groups, businesses and fund raising canisters at area merchants. Merrill area school children redecorate the cans each year and the donations are used to purchase plants, dirt, fertilizer, and equipment. The city of Merrill provides the water and labor to keep the flower beds looking great.
Beautifying Merrill has become a labor of love to all those involved. Park City Gardeners and gardens are a value to the community. Not only is it a visual treat for the residents of Merrill to enjoy, but it creates a strong first impression to visitors that come to Merrill.
In 2011, the group will celebrate its 20th anniversary through continued volunteerism and generosity, and will keep Merrill blooming for many more years to come.