Saturday, September 25, 2021

Munsinger Gardens and Clemens Gardens

  Munsinger Gardens were created in the 1930s as part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and Civilian Conservation Corps. (CCC) programs. The gardens, filled with a large variety of colorful flowers and plants, are extremely well maintained by dedicated volunteers. Tall trees shade winding paths that run for almost 1/2 mile along the Mississippi River.
 
 The paths are surfaced with gravel, asphalt, and flagstone. The ground slopes towards the river. Wheelchair users may need assistance due to the slope and the variety of path surfaces. Some paths are not accessible even with assistance. 
  Clemens Gardens is much newer, started in 1990 on land donated by Bill Clemens who also funded the gardens. His wife, Virginia Clemens had multiple sclerosis and enjoyed frequent visits to the gardens. Clemens Gardens has a formal design with six separate garden areas. Several of the gardens have a monochromatic color scheme.
 The gardens have several levels with steps but the paths on the outside edges are gently sloped and allow access to all levels. The paths are paved with brick for easy rolling.
  The gardens are on opposite sides of Riverside Drive. It’s possible to walk from one to the other but the path is up a steep hill so for easy accessible park on Riverside Drive or in the small lot at the south end of the garden to see Munsinger Gardens then drive one block east and park on Kilian Blvd to see Clemens Gardens. Gardens  45.55017, -94.14375

3 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. It's beautiful - one of the nicest public gardens that we've visited.

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  2. Both lovely parks! Nice places to visit and maybe rest a bit.

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