Izmir-Long Beach Sister Cities Association is dedicated to:- Promoting cultural understanding and relations between the peoples of Izmir, Turkey and Long Beach, California.
- Fostering friendship, raising the public knowledge level and understanding of culture, arts and history in both communities.
- Establishing and maintaining long term sustainable ties between themunicipalities, educational institutions, non-profit organizations and civicand trade organizations in both cities.
In order to mark a symbolic milestone in the newly established ties between Long Beach and its sister city Izmir, the Izmir-Long Beach Sister Cities Association is proposing the planting of a dozen olive trees and shrubs typical to Izmir region in form of a Mediterranean Garden in a dedicated section of a Long Beach park.
The proposed “Izmir Grove” as a meeting place for families and the community is inspired by the Japanese gardens which were designed in 1964 in the Lincoln Park and later in the Recreational Park as a tribute to Long Beach's sister City, Yokkaichi, Japan and the Sochi Friendship Grove in the Recreation Park which is also the home to the "Friendship Tree" that was grafted with a twig from the original "Tree of Friendship" from Sochi.
The proposed “Izmir Grove” is a manifestation of IzmirLB’s dedication to Long Beach and is the focus of the friendship between the residents of two great cities where the people of the two countries can share the glories found in a lovely Mediterranean garden and the pleasures found in warm friendships.
The goal of the proposed “Izmir Grove” is the creation of a Mediterranean stytle garden as a memorial to the peace that has existed between the United States of America and the Republic of Turkey and therefore, is to perpetuate the longstanding friendship and pleasant relationship between the peoples of Turkey and the United States who believe in promoting world peace in the beauty of nature, by the establishment of a living garden of flowers, shrubs, and olive trees; a horticultural beauty spot in the heart of Long Beach greatly adding to the scenic loveliness.
We believe that the proposed “Izmir Grove” will encourage and inspire the new friendships and ties between our communities as we move into a new period in our sister cities partnership.
| Proposed Site for Izmir Grove |
The Long Beach Parks and Recreation Department, several Long Beach residents and IzmirLB looked at several potential locations for the proposed Izmir Grove. It has been agreed by all parties that the Recreation Park would be the best suited location for the project. Following criteria has been taken in consideration as the project location:
- Proximity to the existing sister cities installations Yokkaichi Japanese Garden and Sochi Grove
- Bringing the SCLB programs to public light
- Improved usage of facilities for international community oriented activities
- Possibility of the unused historic bandshell to be utilized as the SCLBcultural and information center.
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The Izmir-Long Beach Sister Cities Association is working closely with the Long Beach Parks and Recreation Department, to create the proposed “Izmir Grove” in the Recreation Park. The District 3 Councilman Gary DeLong is enthusiastically supporting the project. The "Recreation Park Neighborhood Coalition" is in full support of the project.
The proposed location is in the Recreation Park which is located in the 3rd District of Long Beach and lies at the north east corner of the 7th Street and Park Avenue. The park has baseball field, casting pond, community center, dog park, golf course, lawn bowling green, picnic area, playground, tennis center, youth recreation, teen center, adult classes.
The Recreation Park is a scene of constant activity throughout the summer months. Many organizations hold annual picnics and other events in this park. Family reunions and church picnics are commonly held events. The “Izmir Grove” at the Recreation Park will become a living symbol of international sisterhood among our people and nations. Visitors, individually and in groups, from all parts of Southern California will come to see the Grove’s placid liveliness in a serene urban park setting; and to commemorate and perpetuate the long friendship, the fruitful sister cities relationship, between the peoples of Izmir and Long Beach.
This modest space will also be an encouraging example to other Long Beachsister cities of the harmony that can result from “neighbors’ living together in continued peace, understanding and cooperation. The Grove will welcome people of all races and creeds to come and spend some quiet time in its atmosphere of peace and serenity.
| Design Concept for Izmir Grove |
IzmirLB assembled a project team consisting of Turkish American urban and landscape architects and graphic artists who are currently developing the Mediterranean garden design concept. The project team is reactivated since August 2010.
Izmir based horticulturists provided a comprehensive list of flowers and scrubs typical to Mediterranean coast. Likewise, Botanical Faculty of CSULB has been already contacted with the request to assist in the selection process of fitting flora for the proposed “Izmir Grove.” The Lakewood based LEI Nursery will provide the olive trees.
We believe that the true collaboration and direct involvement of creative staff and horticulturalists will turn this project into a real success story. IzmirLB will lead the planting of the Mediterranean garden to create a place for quiet reflection for the whole community to enjoy and meet. The latest chapter in the project, the planting of the trees, will be funded by proceeds from a concert given by Turkish musicians.
Furthermore, Aegean expatriate and owner of the Long Beach based marble and natural stone importer FBR Marble Haldun Cetinel committed to contribute to the project by donating a specially fabricated park bench made out of natural stone directly from Izmir region.
The proposed “Izmir Grove” represents a long term legacy to the park and the community and olive trees have been selected as a universal symbol of peace and friendship. The tranquil Mediterranean garden will grow over several years as funds will be raised.
| Project Time Line and Public Introduction |
Proposed public introduction date of the Izmir Grove is during Summer of 2010.
A simple reception is desirable for public introduction with Long Beach community leaders and activists, city and Parks and Recreation Department employees, members of business community, elected officials, sister cities component associations, Turkish Consul General, Cultural Attaché of the Republic of Turkey to Los Angeles, Turkish American community leaders may be invited.
IzmirLB will announce the ribbon cutting with an official press release. The grand opening may be announced through an E-Newsletter distributed to the organization’s 5,000+ Long Beach community e-mail addresses.
FRIENDS of the “Izmir Grove” are individuals and organizations who support the creation and presence of this very special space in our community. FRIENDS have a vision of peacemaking among people of all colors and creeds, and they see this vision come to life in the Grove.
The FRIENDS of the “Izmir Grove” will:
- sponsor activities and events at the Grove that support our goals ofinternational citizens diplomacy,
- invite others to use the Grove for their own peacemaking activities andevents,
- assure the continued presence, utilization, and maintenance of the Grove..
If you support the vision and purposes of the Izmir-Long Beach Sister Cities Association, then you’re probably already a FRIEND!