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At an early age, Frank enjoyed
growing fruits and vegetables. He remembers his family growing most of their
vegetables in a large garden. He also remembers his family preserving them
by freezing or canning and storing them in the basement.
After retiring from PPL Electric at Brunner Island Power Plant in the mid
1990s, Frank’s wife strongly suggested he find a hobby! (This is where the
County Parks lucked out!) His interest in growing plants led him to Penn
State Extension and the Master Gardener Program, graduating in 1998.
In 1999, Frank started the Rudy Park Gardens with
assistance from other Master Gardeners. The site has grown from just flowers
in a couple of plots to over an acre of fruits, vegetables and flowers.
In 2011, Frank, other master gardeners, volunteers and
York County Youth Probation harvested about 6,045 pounds of fruits and
vegetables. This was divided between the York County Food Bank and the
Catholic Harvest Pantry. Frank also created the gardens along the Rail Trail
between Grantley Road and Richland Avenue. Frank estimates that since 1999
he has spent well over 3,000 hours volunteering in the parks.
If you want to learn more about the John Rudy Park Demonstration Garden,
please visit:
http://extension.psu.edu/york/programs/master-gardener/demonstration-gardens
If you or someone you know has in interest in volunteering
for the Parks or becoming a Park Ambassador, please contact Mike Fobes at
840-7440. |