TheBurg

14 | The Burg | 05.15 W alking or jogging through Riverfront Park, you may get a serene feeling as you enter the Peace Garden. You might see garden coordinator Gwen Lehman in the dirt, volunteering her time to give some love to the various flowers planted throughout the natural, tranquil space. Or maybe you have only seen the garden as a blur through the car window while traveling down N. Front Street. As May brings its sun and warmth, Peace Garden will begin to show its true magnificence, offering an oasis of calm and beauty amidst the busy city. uP For The ChALLeNge Peace Garden traces its roots to 1990, when Harrisburg pediatrician James Jones returned from a gathering of the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War in Hiroshima, Japan. "e co-founder of [IPPNW ], Dr. Bernard Lown, challenged us to create parks to affirm life's fragility and the human spirit's resilience," recalled Jones, who at the time was president of the Harrisburg- Hershey chapter of U.S. affiliate Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR). " ere are many parks and statues dedicated to wars, battles and soldiers, but few to the protection of the environment and the pursuit of peace." He came home inspired and ready to act and was met with a positive response from members of PSR and city officials in Harrisburg. e physicians envisioned an artistically designed, natural public space with annual and perennial plants, striking sculptures and a coming together as a community. "e Peace Garden planted flowers and trees for beauty and ideas promoting peace, justice and the environment, in plaques and sculptures overlooking the beautiful Susquehanna River," explained James. Local organizations, churches, rotary foundations and social clubs donated the plaques. "[e donors] really represent a broad spectrum of Harrisburg," said Lehman. "As stated on the dedication plaques at each of the designated, three- block areas along the beautiful Susquehanna River, the Peace Garden is dedicated to the pursuit of peace and the preservation of our earth." e overall message, she said, is that the natural world, nations and the welfare of individuals are inextricably linked. "We hope that people take the time to stop and read the messages on plaques," she said. "ey are some of the most thoughtful ideas from people all over the world." peaCe in THe CiTy In Riverfront Park, a tranquil, inspirational respite. By MISSy SMITh IN The Burg

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