August 1, 2024 – Sen. Nick Miller (D-Lehigh/Northampton) and Rep. Mike Schlossberg (D-Lehigh) today announced that they have secured a $200,000 grant from the Department of Community and Economic Development to update the Malcolm W. Gross Memorial Rose Garden in Allentown, as well as $130,000 for updating the Cedar Beach Park basketball courts.
“The rose garden is one of the most beautiful landmarks in the city of Allentown,” said Miller. “However, the gazebos and pavilion in the garden have fallen into disrepair. This funding will go toward fixing the roofs, painting and general maintenance so the gazebos and pavilion can be restored to more pristine conditions.”
Schlossberg added, “The rose garden is an iconic place in Lehigh County, serving as the backdrop for wedding and prom photos, quiet walks for neighbors and a place of curiosity for kids. I am proud to work with Sen. Millor, Mayor [Matt] Tuerk and Allentown staff to bring resources needed to preserve this treasure in our community so the rose garden can continue to be cherished for generations to come.”
The rose garden offers a variety of flowers, as well as a walking loop. It features fitness stations for older residents and is a prime location for photos, both for Lehigh Valley residents and visitors.
Painting of the gazebos is expected to take place in late August to complete the renovations to the garden. Both the senator and representative plan to volunteer to help repaint them.
“The rose garden is a great place to spend a few hours enjoying the outdoors, nature and weather,” added Miller. “We advocated to update the garden so that it can continue to be an asset for generations to come. We must take care of what we have to preserve it, so it can continue to be a resource for both residents and visitors of the Lehigh Valley.”
The garden is named after the former Allentown mayor who served four terms from 1920-1932 and then from 1936-1940.
Miller and Schlossberg also secured $130,000 for upgrades at nearby Cedar Beach Park. The funding is going toward new basketball hoops, upgraded lighting, new court resurfacing and potentially a playground update.