Volunteers from the Job Corps in Cassadaga assisted with work on gardens in the city of Dunkirk during the summer.

The new gardens on the corner of Sixth Street and Maple Avenue funded in part by The Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation Neighborhood Pride Grant took on new form recently and are now near completion given the assistance of 13 young volunteers from Job Corps.

In spite of the heat, the young men and women took up shovels, pick axes and rakes to first remove grass and turf, then distribute new top soil delivered by Greener Gardens. During their second visit, they planted and watered donated perennials and during a final work session spread mulch and watered the gardens.

This beautification project in the neighborhood was designed to brighten up the Route 60 entry to the city, be a source of pride to the neighborhood, and a peaceful oasis and tribute to Janice Slaton, devoted Dunkirk attorney who passed away several years ago.

Trees were also planted along the 600 block of Main Street with the help of many neighbors. The tropical Elephant Ear plants circling the lot near Jussie’s Barber Shop were planted by Sam Mancuso; the perennial garden on that side of Sixth Street was the work of AmeriCorps volunteers. Teresa Mesler trimmed all the trees on the property.

Another phase of the grant will be the creation of two game tables for dominos and checkers, placed along the tree line of this smaller lot. The playground, which is also part of the grant, plus Block grant money, will soon be taking shape at Washington Park and promises to add an exciting new, one of a kind venue for area children. Three hundred children were interviewed by PlusFarm architect, William Haskas, to solicit ideas for their concept of the“ideal” play space. Volunteers will also be sought for this follow up project.

Call Skeeter Tower at 366-3738 to learn the schedule and take part in this exciting enterprise.