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The Way's Garden Commission recently went over proposed design plans for the continuing renovation of the garden that began in 2014.
The commission intends to use about $250,000 in grants and donations to build a pavilion, add an event lawn, pathways and the first stages of the foundation of a fountain, said Bob Esposito, commission chairman.
The garden was a gift to the city over 100 years ago by industrialist J. Roman Way and since 2014 the commission has seen the renovation of the garden and restoration to the way it might have looked when Way was alive.
The community has witnessed the completion of a pergola, conifer garden, fern beds, an Iris garden, a memorial garden and additional hayracks, he said. A proposal to restore the black wrought iron fencing is underway, perhaps using an individual who is on prison work-release supervised by Lycoming County Adult probation.
McCormick Law Firm has agreed to fund the creation of a parking lot, leading visitors to the event lawn and future pavilion, Esposito said.
Activities this year include a Secret Garden Tour in conjunction with the Bald Eagle Art League show.
Members were shown a sketch of the proposed pavilion, which comfortably can seat 55, including those performing as part of the Repasz Band, Esposito said.
The sketch was done by Daniel Seeling, of Trout Run, who is a professional timber framer by trade, Esposito said.
A request to have the city co-sponsor and assist the commission in the special events it holds throughout the year, including the Secret Garden Tour, was made.
Tom Cillo, general manager of the city Streets and Park Department, which does maintenance such as mowing and trimming of the garden throughout the growing season, said he would take the request back to the mayor.