Did you know that butterflies taste with their feet? On June 16, a patch of land at Bennett Park became one more place for butterflies to land and feast on native plants.
The new butterfly garden, dedicated with help from Hickory-Palos Sertoma Club and city officials’ commitment to local green spaces in Palos Hills. Mayor Jerry Bennett joined community members, members of the Hickory-Palos Sertoma Club, and several aldermen for the unveiling.
Alderman Mike Price, who opened the ceremony, called the project a true collaboration. “This was a really nice cooperative venture for us to do together,” he said. “I think this is going to keep Sertoma Thomas’s name alive. We’re doing more and more.” Price added, “We’re going to expand more and more in this area while growing, it won’t be just the garden, bushes will be added, it’s going to be beautiful.”
Price added that the Sertoma Club will oversee and care for the garden in the long term. “Members of the organization will help with watering, rolling needs, and all of that kind of good stuff.”
Mayor Bennet, whose name the park carries (located on 103rd Street, and Roberts Road), reflected on the collaborative efforts and public works that made it possible. “Our public works guys are so talented, they do so much that people don’t realize,” he said.
“This park is my heart and soul,” he added, “We’ve expanded the trails over the past year, and now you can walk both the east and west sides of the park. The garden is a beautiful addition, somewhere to stop and rest, a showcase piece, and we’ll continue adding to it.”
Jerry Dingle, a member of the club, spoke proudly on how far the group has come. Sertoma stands for Service to Mankind and focuses on community programs and initiatives.
“The Palos Sertoma Club has come a long way in a short period of time,” Dingle said. “The Hickory Hills Club was around for over 15 years, and now we’re looking toward the future, and it can only go up.”
“Everybody has ideas, but this came to a solution that actually happened,” Dingle added.
To close out the dedication, guests shared refreshments and cupcakes before unveiling the garden sign, handmade by Alderman Price’s wife, Kare Price.
Community members, but especially butterflies, are encouraged to visit the new garden.
Every year my granddaughter and I raise butterflies for her birthday. This year we will release them at this new garden since she lives across the way. We’re expecting them all to hatch by this weekend! Beautiful garden!