Johnson Park: The Ultimate Vision
Want to know what makes covering stories like the resurgence of Johnson Park fun? Times when it is possible to look back over the last few years and talk about the gloom and doom that once overtook city parks like this and Days Park. When I first became familiar with Johnson and Days Parks the topic of conversation was always about how badly the greens had been neglected (not just uncut grass). Now when I talk to people about Johnson Park it is about the present, and believe it or not people are already talking about its exciting future.
You would think that someone like Marilyn Rodgers would be happy to sit back and enjoy all of the successes that she and her co-urban activists have had. But no… there is always something grander that needs to be accomplished. “Have you seen the old fountain in the postcard?” she asked me when I stopped over to chat. “That would take a lot of flea markets to bring back, but it is a dream that we have to see it built and re-installed in the center of the green. Not just that, but we have talked about putting some sort of greenhouse over it so that the neighbors could walk inside during the winter and hear the water cascading while visiting the plants that they could maintain year ‘round. I wish I had more time to work on these projects. As it is, we are having a hard time getting the County Parks Department to mow the lawn. That won’t stop us from continuing to fight for the recognition that this park deserves. Someday we’ll have proper curbs too… did you know that there was once a beautiful Japanese garden in the park?”
Just listening to Marilyn is enough to get anyone inspired. Five years ago I had no idea where Johnson Park was. Now the park is on the tip of many Buffalonians’ tongues, and they are proud to say that they are familiar with this up-and-coming downtown neighborhood. And knowing Marilyn and her friends, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the addition of a new fountain in the not-too-distant future. Is there a foundation that would like to hear more about this determined group of urban activists and their plans for the future? If so send an email to West Village Renaissance Group (WVRG).
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TonyD
Wow, to think that Buffalo was advanced enough to have postcards from neighborhoods back in the day. This is a terrific vision for the future. I will attend the flea market and buy items just to make sure they have some seed money. Of course, I will probably have to have a garage sale afterwards, but it would be worth it to contribute to the hard work of this wonderful organization.
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iAMbuffalo
Sigh, life seemed msuch more simpler back then. Look at the three women in this picture out for a leisurly stroll. The neighbors seem relentless in their efforts to clean this area up. Great work, queenseyes, thanks for letting us know about secret treasures of Buffalo.
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ecj
I have had the distinct pleasure of working with Ms. Rogers on a number of initiatives in this city. From neighborhood crime issues all over the city, to the Parete fundraiser, to housing issues, protection of tenant rights, homelessness, community building, this lady is always in the thick of things and can get the job done. She also gives credit more to the WVRG than to herself, so she works for the good of the community. As to whether the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of this dream can become a reality, believe me, under her direction, and given the time and financing, it will happen. Come on, all you funders out there, the preservationists, those who believe in enterprenuerial spirit, social responsibility, it's time these people get a fair shake in rebuilding a huge dream. Give them a leg up.
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STEEL
The Days Park neighbors were successful in their efforts to restore the fountain in that park (twice!) several years back. It adds tremendous grace to the space.
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hennesey
Great effort, guys. Someday I'll be able to move to this area, and when I do I hope to contribute to it as you all have for so many years.
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