LSCA JAPANESE GARDEN

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 It was during a visit from Harima-cho Mayor Saeki in 1999 that the idea of a Japanese Garden and cherry tree exchange between Lima and Harima-cho was first discussed. Mayor Saeki, after seeing the potential for the then under development bike path, suggested that "You should plant many cherry trees by the river bank."  

 In August 2002, Mr. Iwasawa visited Lima from Harima-cho and hand delivered a donation from Harima-cho for 50,000 yen, slightly over $4,000 in American currency, for cherry trees and other garden plants Two cherry tress were initially planted and subsequently 11 more making a total to date of 14. The first large boulder was added to the garden site and inscribed with the Lima Sister Cities Logo and name. 

 Members of Lima Sister Cities Japan Committee huddle in the cold to recognize and honor Keiko Hahn for her untiring work on the Japanese Garden along the Ottawa Riverwalk.
A large granite stone was placed in the garden with the inscription "In recognition of Keiko Hahn for the development of Lima Sister Cities' Japanese Garden, Dec. 2, 2010."
Keiko is the second from the left. 

 The Lima Sister City Garden is located in Lima on the south side of the Ottawa River Corridor bike path between Elizabeth and West Streets.

 Since the Ottawa River Corridor was still under construction, the building of the garden was delayed for approximately one year, but in that time plans for the design and style continued. With help from Pat Beam, Bassett and Associate  

 The City of Lima was pleased to enter into an agreement with Lima Sister Cities that would allow them to develop an agreed upon site with the condition that the site is maintained by Lima Sister Cities. 

We were thrilled to see so many of show up  at the April Cherry Tree Viewing at the Japanese

Garden. The trees were beautiful and it was so good to see friends. Thank you for the many

compliments and also the good suggestions for future improvements.

We will continue working and are planning the future events for the garden..

 During a Japanese Youth Exchange visit in August of 2002, Japanese students and their chaperones, along with Lima Sister City members, participated in a cherry tree watering ceremony that symbolized the living link between Harima-cho and Lima. 

The LSCA Garden is maintained by our members and funds donated by members and bussiness. with out all the hard work and time and effort put into the garden. it will continue to be a valued asset to the community