Attendees vote to improve Hyde Park Rose Garden
By David Yarger
Tribune Editor
On Thursday night, residents from around Niagara Falls gathered at Hard Rock Cafe to hear presentations in the 23rd Pints for Progress event.
Pints for Progress is an event run by #LiveNF, where citizens hear project ideas from locals and groups of Niagara Falls that would benefit the city. Attendees pay $10 to enter the event, which gets them a free glass of beer, food and open ears to hear proposed ideas. After all the projects are proposed, attendees get to vote on which one they believe is the best. The money raised from the event is granted to the victor of the presentations.
New York State Assemblyman Angelo Morinello was on hand for the event and praised what the event does for the city.
"It's the entire project that I'm impressed with," Morinello said. "It energizes the youth of the area and highlights and focuses creativity and in my mind, it brings people from different walks of life and different ages groups together for a common cause: the betterment of Western New York."
In all, three groups presented, including Niagara Track and Field Club, Silence Breaker Series and Laura Rotella from the Niagara Beautification Commission, speaking on behalf of the Hyde Park Rose Garden remediation.
Rotella's presentation seeking funds to fix the garden off of Robbins Drive ended up being the winning presentation. The project was awarded $490 from proceeds during the night.
Rotella said the garden was in need of funds to clean up the area and make it look presentable and more appealing than it stands currently. Rotella was blown away by the backing from attendees and said if anyone would be willing to help, the group would welcome them with open arms.
"I'm thrilled ... I'm just so happy," Rotella said. "It's more than money, which is a great thing. Community partners would be great; people to help us maintain that garden, because it truly is wonderful place."
Rotella said if the garden were to be improved it could attract weddings, parties and much more.
With the funds, Niagara Falls residents can count on the Hyde Park garden becoming a site to see and a general attraction for people to visit.
For more information on the Niagara Beautification Commission, visit its website at www.keepniagarabeautiful.org.
