Mill Creek MetroParks marked the anniversary of the establishment of Fellows Riverside Gardens on

Mill Creek MetroParks marked the anniversary of the establishment of Fellows Riverside Gardens on Wednesday. A brief history of the gardens:

Elizabeth Fellows died March 19, 1958, donating the land and the financial means to establish the gardens to the park district, which was at that time the Youngstown Township Park District.

The gardens were named as a memorial for Fellows’ husband Samuel’s parents, Mary and Benjamin Fellows.

John Paolano of Akron designed the gardens, and the first plantings occurred in 1963.

In 1964, the rose garden bloomed with the assistance of the Men’s Garden Club of Youngstown. A rose garden was one of the elements requested by Elizabeth Fellows.

Park officials unveiled a 10-year master plan for the gardens during Wednesday’s event. Some highlights:

Upgrade vehicular entrances to the gardens.

Improve horticulture.

Enhance visitors’ experience.

Provide a stronger, horticulturally rich environment.

Strengthen the connection and relationship between the gardens and the surrounding neighborhood.

Develop a phasing strategy.

Source: Park officials and master plan