Playworks sells toys that invite play and enhance early childhood development [fun for all ages]

From sea to shining sea, people in the United States are busy pursuing leisure time activities in ways, both large and small, that benefit their communities. Back on September 20, 2010, I wrote about Arlington Gardens, an exquisite three acre public garden, an urban open space providing a natural refuge, a place to meander among rare and endangered California native plants or simply sit and enjoy the beauty and peace of this waterwise garden. Creating this treasure was a collaborative effort involving the city, its parks and recreation department, and innumerable commuity volunteers who continue to develop and care for the garden.

Across the country is another property that would not be the beautiful, contemplative place it is today without tireless community involvement~the Old City Cemetery in Lynchburg, Virginia. An official Virginia Historical Highway Marker erected on June 2, 2006, indicates that “Old City Cemetery, also known as the Methodist Cemetery, was established as a public burial ground in 1806 on land donated by John Lynch, founder of Lynchburg. Mayors and other prominent civic leaders, along with the city's indigent and "strangers," are among the estimated 20,000 people buried here. Three quarters of those interred here are of African descent, both enslaved and free. The cemetery's Confederate section contains the graves of more than 2,200 soldiers from 14 states. Museums on the property interpret the diverse history of this rehabilitated graveyard and its inhabitants. The cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

Beginning in 1981, one woman, Jane Baber White, turned her fascination with the place into a 27 year journey of transformation. Joined by countless volunteers, she worked to uncover the beauty and re-discover the history of the cemetery and the lives of those interred there.

Now Old City Cemetery encourages visitors to enjoy its horticultural and wildlife treasures, history, and preservation efforts. With bird walks, tree dating workshops and antique roses festivals, botanical illustration courses and concerts in Bicentennial Chapel, five small museums, and cemetery preservation workshops, Old Cemetery is thriving. What one person of passion and vision, and an army of enthusiastic volunteers can do is truly amazing. Spending leisure time involved in such a transformative process can only be described as gratifiying.

Be inspired by these projects, visit http://www.arlingtongardeninpasadena.org and http://www.gravegarden.org. Then get out and visit a garden near you.

Enjoy summer!