Tillandsia Garden Club celebrates ribbon-cutting for donor bench at Tomoka State Park

Gordon Whitley, president of the Friends of Tomoka Basin State Parks board, said the bench is a 'lasting symbol of their friendship.'

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The Tillandsia Garden Club celebrated the dedication of a personalized park bench in the Tomoka State Park botanical garden on Thursday, May 8.

The Friends of Tomoka Basin State Parks recently launched a new program that installs a personalized park bench in one of the three local state parks — Tomoka State Park, Bulow Creek State Park or Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park — in recognition of donations of $2,000 or more. 

The Tillandsia Garden Club's bench is engraved with the words "Live Life in Full Bloom." The club held a ribbon-cutting and dedication for the bench, which included a blessing and invocation from Rev. Roy Allison, of St. James Episcopal Church, and Rabbi Rob Lennick, of the Jewish Federation of Volusia and Flagler Counties. 

"May this bench serve not only as a place to pause and enjoy the beauty and serenity of Tomoka State Park, but as a reminder of our shared responsibilities to care for this earth and nurture love among us," Lennick said. 

The ceremony was also attended by Sen. Tom Leek and his wife Michelle, Ormond Beach City Commissioner Lori Tolland and Garden Club members. Leek, who announced that the governor was set to sign a new law that would prevent state parks from being developed into hotels, pickleball courts and golf courses, shared memories of spending time with his kids at the park.

"We will be able to continue to enjoy God's nature here in Tomoka State Park for as long as we have Tomoka State Park," Leek said.

Tolland said she hoped the bench dedication serves as an example to other garden clubs in the community, and that they participate in the donor bench program as well.

"I admire all of your outstanding work and your dedication to improving our community — for making this a better place, a more beautiful place and a place for all of us to enjoy in future generations," she said.

What the Tillandsia Club has done is raise money for an enduring purpose, said Valerie Seinfeld, membership chair of the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs. She echoed Tolland's wish that other Garden Clubs in the area follow in Tillandsia's footsteps.

"I am so proud of the Tillandsia Garden Club for reaching out into their community," Seinfeld said.

Also in attendance was Tomoka State Park Ranger Robert Jones, who said that when the park started the botanical garden three years ago, many of the Garden Club members helped develop it. Their involvement goes beyond a monetary donation, he said.

"Your involvement has come in the form of time, and your heart, and your energy, and that is greatly appreciated within the park," Jones said. "You guys hold a special place in our heart. We're glad to go above and beyond to help you wherever we can."

The Garden Club has made a difference in the park, said Gordon Whitley, president of the Friends of Tomoka Basin State Parks board. Several members of the Garden Club have become members of the Friends, he said

"This park bench will be a lasting symbol of their friendship, memories and provide a tranquil place in Tomoka park's native garden for members to gather for a lifetime to come," Whitley said. "... May the members of the Tillandsia Garden Club always live life in full bloom."

To learn more about the donor bench program, visit fotbsp.com/park-bench-donation-program.

 

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