Cedar Beach Parkway 2: The Rose Gardens

Like so many of our parks and landmarks here in the city of Allentown, the history of the Rose gardens begins in the Depression Era. The mayor of Allentown at that time was a man by the name of Malcom W Gross. In Kevin Sinclair’s book Allentown, he says that the plans for the Rose Gardens were made before the stock market crash and despite public disapproval; Mayor Gross went ahead with the project. The gardens are now officially named after the former mayor and a statue of him is located dead center, towards the back of the gardens:

This section of Cedar Beach Parkway is undeniably the most beautiful and it may be the most memorable.


I am sure some of my readers have been involved at a prom or wedding picture session here in the Rose Gardens:

Walking around the Rose gardens, a glut of visual and olfactory sensation is present at all times. I applaud the workers who tend to this area of Cedar Beach Parkway. Their efforts are noticeable and beautiful.

The rose types are varied and run the gamut from a classic red to an ornate "peppermint stick" petal variety:




There is beautiful statuary here as well. An ornate fountain is in the middle of the gardens:

And this guy, hangs out on the west side:


The “Old Fashion” Gardens to the east of the Rose Gardens are absolutely beautiful as well:


Here, a section is tended to by the Allentown Garden Club:

The main garden beds are lined with rows of annuals:


A little farther past the Gardens are usually three reflective ponds filled with lily pads, fish, and various animals. They are however currently emptied; having been dredged for the beginnings of the first phase of the Cedar Beach Parkway renovations:

(I hired that model to add some extra appeal to the blog. He is single ladies.)

As a kid I was fascinated by the huge fish in the ponds as well as the statuary.
This cow, now on dry land, was my favorite:

If for some reason you have never been to the Rose Garden I suggest you go as soon as possible. It is one of the most unique and beautiful locations here in our city and more than worth a visit.

It is just a “Wow” kind of a place.


(Part 3 tomorrow with a commentary on the renovation.)