The Children's Aid & Family Services' Rotary Centennial Park at CAFS' Project is a joint venture project between the local Rotary Groups and the local community. The concept came about in the winter of 2003 when Robert Jones, of the Ridgewood A.M. Group approached a small group of members to create a small patio for The Woodlea Home; a group home for un-adopted teenage girls. Through the conception of a design a review of the property revealed its true potential. The unused parcel of land with its overgrown trees and shrubs offered the potential for much greater use by people that the CAFS serves.

The concept grew into its 'Centennial Park' theme that is now under construction. The 'Park' theme became the benchmark to gear the design towards a potential multi-use park like setting. With input from the CAFS Vice-President Tricia DeBartalome and others the concept grew into the final design of a 'Healing Garden' with a physically centering labyrinth, a potting shed with an herbal garden, three large patio areas for outdoor counseling, a pond for that summertime retreat and gentle sound of flowing water and finally a large lawn area for a variety of uses. Therefore turning a virtually useless parcel of land into an urban oasis. This project will last through many lifetimes and be appreciated by thousands of children and families through it's many years of simply doing what nature does best, it looks beautiful as each spring it gives us new hope and the peace and tranquility of solemn reflection. Not bad for one little garden.

Family Counseling Services / Children's Aid & Family Services, Inc.
148 Prospect Street
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Phone: 201-445-7015
http://www.cafsnj.org
Email: tdebartolome@cafsnj.org

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