Become a Membership of the Slovenian Cultural Garden!
In the spring of 2024, a group of individuals came together to address concerns about the garden's condition. As a result, a new governing board was elected to oversee its transformation and to create a plan for the future. The SCG is more than just a garden; it is a gateway to the city, representing Cleveland’s Slovenian community with pride. It serves as one of the most visited stops for those searching for something “Slovenian” in Cleveland, welcoming visitors any time of the day.
The Cleveland Cultural Gardens, which stretch along MLK Blvd., have recently seen a revival. There are over 30 gardens in the area, some nearly 100 years old, with plans for ~ 10 more to be added. Thousands of visitors each year admire these gardens, and some stand out as symbols of cultural pride, hosting events and serving as stunning backdrops for weddings. The goal for the SCG is to become just as prominent, and so much more!
The SCG holds a special place in the history of the park, being one of its original gardens, claiming historical landmark status. Formerly known as the Yugoslav Garden, it will celebrate an important milestone this year—on June 21, the garden will mark 30 years since it was officially renamed by city ordinance to the Slovenian Cultural Garden!
After months of research, meetings with city departments, contractors, and re-establishing its 501(c)(3) non-profit status, the group is now ready to unveil plans for the garden’s revitalization. But to make these plans a reality, we need the support of a strong, engaged community.
If you’re thinking that your gardening skills aren’t up to par, don’t worry! The future of the SCG involves much more than planting flowers. We are looking for volunteers with a range of skills and interests, from committee work to event planning, marketing, and design. In addition, monetary donations are always welcome. Some areas where we need your help include:
Board Secretary
Capital Improvements Committee
Membership Committee
CCG Federation Liaison
Marketing/Graphic Design
Communications/Social Media
Volunteer Coordinator
Programming Committee
Landscaping/Architectural Design
We meet monthly at St. Mary’s Church in the Slovenian Room, with our next meeting scheduled for February 19th at 6 pm. Everyone is welcome to join as we work together to shape the future of the Slovenian Cultural Garden.
Together, we can ensure that this landmark continues to serve as a symbol of our heritage and pride for years to come.
If you would like more information or have any questions, please reach out to us via email at: sloveniancga@gmail.com
Springtime at the Slovenian Cultural Gardens….
Everyone looks forward to springtime - weather improves, the days are longer, and the dreary winter landscape starts to awaken in its new colors. Although there is joy in the transformation of the landscape, it comes with some additional effort to maintain and enjoy the new growth.
In the same manner that we prepare for the spring at our homes, it is time to prepare for the spring at the Slovenian Cultural Garden.
Since January, a group of individuals has been meeting monthly to strategically plan for the renewal of the garden. Weather and age have taken its toll on the infrastructure of our beautiful garden and it is in need of repair. In cooperation with the City of Cleveland and with the support of numerous public officials, plans are underway to conduct a structural evaluation of the retaining walls and fountain. In addition to repairs, other areas that are being explored, as we approach the 100th anniversary of the garden, are the addition of monuments, developing the lower portion of the garden, replacing aging plantings and much more. The vision for the future is that the garden will become somewhat self-sustaining, a place of beauty for wedding or special family photos, the first stop for Slovenians visiting the Cleveland area, a place to hold future Slovenian cultural events, but most of all, an amazing visual expression of the pride and presence of the Slovenian community in Cleveland.
At the last gathering, new officers were elected. The new officers are:
President, Bob Hopkins
Vice President, Julie Tromba
Secretary /Treasurer, Vera Marsic
In order to succeed, a large network of volunteers is needed for various roles and committees. Some of the areas that have been identified are membership, marketing, grant administration, social media, event coordinator, volunteer coordinator, landscape design, finance, archives, gardening club, maintenance and much more. We invite and encourage anyone with an interest to get involved. If interested, contact a member of SCGA or email us at sloveniancga@gmail.com. The goal is to include all ages in this endeavor, especially the youth, for you are the future!
Stay tuned for future meeting details.
May Volunteer Opportunities at the Slovenian Cultural Garden
Since Slovenians are known as hard working “busy bees” for their love of flowers and for their cultural pride, there is no better way to demonstrate all of these characteristics than to lend a hand at this year's beautification of the Slovenian Cultural Gardens. Saturdays, May 11&18th, at 10 am volunteers will be assembling to clean up, plant, spread mulch and various tasks to beautify and renew the gardens. We kindly ask for a few hours of your time and talents.
Bring your gloves, shovels and favorite gardening tools, come alone, bring your family, bring your friends, organize a group - many hands make light work!!! This is a great opportunity for any youth that needs to accumulate volunteer hours.
Come join us for some fun and camaraderie at the Slovenian Cultural Gardens!