Pocket park cause for celebration

May 9, 2008
From Local Reports
Muskegon Chronicle

Sometimes daffodils and tulips are just a garden.

But in the McLaughlin neighborhood in Muskegon's inner city, spring flowers are also a celebration; a sign of a neighborhood coming to life.

People from all corners of the neighborhood will celebrate the arrival of spring at the newly named McLaughlin Pocket Park, 1264 Terrace, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday. The event is open to the public.

The garden is a project of the McLaughlin Neighborhood Association, McLaughlin Elementary School and Community enCompass (formerly Bethany Housing Ministry and Sacred Suds), funded by the Healthy Neighborhood Initiative. But the project didn't stop with the adults in the crowd.

Under the guidance of retired educator Tom Pastoor, who is president of the neighborhood association, 240 students at McLaughlin Elementary planted 700 tulip, daffodil and crocus bulbs in the park last fall and waited until spring.

It's important for kids to learn that patience pays off,Pastoor said.

The neighborhood association recently signed a 30-year lease with the city of Muskegon to turn a vacant lot into a pocket park.

Ice cream and other treats will be served throughout the day as students come to the park, one class at a time, to receive the thank yous from the adults involved, Pastoor said.

One of the lessons is: Look what can be accomplished if everyone pitches in,” Pastoor said.

Also attending will be partners from the city of Muskegon, New Life Christian Center, Bethany Christian Reformed Church, Agard's Lawn and Garden, Benson Drug Co. and Muskegon Floral Co. and Greenhouses.

For more information, call Pastoor at 722-7481.