LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 20th Anniversary of Garden Walk
Buffalo on July 25-26, 2015

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the quality of
life of the citizens of the State of New York is greatly enriched by the
availability of exceptional recreational events; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 20th Anniversary of Garden Walk Buffalo on July 25-26, 2015,
in Buffalo, New York; and
WHEREAS, Garden Walk Buffalo is a free, self-guided tour of more than
380 Buffalo gardens, held annually on the last weekend of July; it is
one of the largest events of its kind in the United States; and
WHEREAS, In 1993, Marvin Lunenfeld and Gail McCarthy attended an urban
garden tour in Chicago and were inspired to recreate the concept in
Buffalo, New York; and
WHEREAS, The idea for a new garden tour was presented to the members
of the Norwood/West Utica Neighborhood Association, and by the summer of
1995, a group of volunteers set up the basic structure for the first
Garden Walk Buffalo, held on July 15-16, 1995; and
WHEREAS, Since its inception, Garden Walk Buffalo's main goals have
been to encourage neighborhood beautification and to promote community
pride; no admission was charged for the first Garden Walk, a tradition
which continues to this day; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, Garden Walk Buffalo has grown well beyond its
original size and scope with the number of participating gardens
increasing to over 380; and
WHEREAS, Since 2002, this esteemed event has provided grants for
numerous community gardening projects, supporting more than 70 garden
projects in the last few years; and
WHEREAS, Most of Garden Walk Buffalo's participating gardens are
private, but an increasing number of community spaces, corporate
offices, and churches have taken part; and
WHEREAS, Currently, the boundaries of the tour extend five miles from
the Frederick Law Olmstead-designed Delaware Park to downtown Buffalo's
beautiful Art Deco City Hall; and
WHEREAS, Garden Walk Buffalo has become a signature summer event,
proving to visitors from suburban Western New York and beyond that the
area's natural scenery can rival its architectural splendor; and
WHEREAS, The success of Garden Walk Buffalo is in direct correlation
to the efforts of its founders, volunteers and sponsors, whose involve-
ment is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment,
an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in
all endeavors on behalf of this institution and the community it serves;
and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when events of
such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they
should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 20th Anniversary of Garden Walk Buffalo; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Garden Walk Buffalo.