In 2005, a group of citizens from Duluth and Ohara (now Isumi City), Japan proposed to honor the Sister Cities relationships between our two cities by creating an authentic environment for the Peace Bell placed in Duluth's Enger Park in 1994. Mathew Daly of the SAS Associates from Duluth designed the garden.
The garden design was based on traditional elements of a Japanese garden - stone, water, plantings and man-made objects - traditions rooted in centuries. Yet, this garden is organic to northern Minnesota. The bedrock and the boulders of Enger Park give the garden its structure, the dry stream and the raked lake (Zen garden) represent water waves and ripples. The manufactured objects include a traditional covered entryway, a bridge, stone lanterns, a pagoda and stone benches. As you stroll through the garden, take time to reflect in peaceful contemplation and discover each element as it presents itself to you from a different view point.
The Duluth Sister Cities Japanese Peace Bell Garden Committee, the City of Duluth Grounds Department workers and many volunteers dedicated countless hours to the construction and maintenance of the garden.
The garden was dedicated in August of 2010 in commemoration of the 20 years as Sister Cities with Ohara-Isumi City, Japan.
From the dedication:
"It will take many years for... [the garden] to grow and mature, to change, and to be changed. But through the years we will gather the fruits of our labor: learn about tradition, reflect on the past, find strength for the future, discover who we are, honor each other, and celebrate peace."
Irina Haller, August 20, 2010
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