In 2024, Cromwell Valley Park Council raised $12,000 to upgrade the existing Honor Garden in front of the Sherwood House. The Honor Garden was originally planted to honor volunteers who made an impact to Cromwell Valley Park, but has been expanded to also include those who loved making the park a place of enjoyment.
Landscape designer, Charles Suter, a graduate of Calvert Hall College high school and Mississippi State, used the bucolic vistas to reorientate the views of the Honor Garden and chose native plants to enhance the green space of the area. The Council hired Maxalea to bring Charles’ vision to fruition. Adirondack Chairs and picnic tables were added for our community to relax, contemplate and enjoy the serenity of the park. More often than not, you will find individuals or families sitting here at the Honor Garden and enjoying the park.
Over the course of the Honor Garden, several key people were honored with tributes. Buff and Charlie Conklin valued the green-space and paved the way for the County to utilize this space for the public. Dr. Alan Lake focused on accessibility within the park and dedicated thousands of hours of his time for those with mobility issues. Dr. Pat Kingman loved the park and donated resources to provide summer camp registration fees for low-income campers. Susan Dorsey was a Park Staff employee who worked for 20+ years at the park – the title of Administrative Assistant did not due her justice! Phil Tupper’s family memorialized his life and his love for hiking in Cromwell Valley Park.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HONOR SOMEONE IN YOUR LIFE, PLEASE CONTACT PRESIDENT@CROMWELLVALLEYPARK.ORG.
Honor Garden Donation
For donations of $250 or more to this fund, your honoree will be featured on this page with a picture and a small paragraph which you will submit telling us about your loved one! For more information, please contact info@cromwellvalleypark.org.
Honor Garden
Honoring Joseph D. Standeven
April 5, 1935 – February 8, 2017
Joe Standeven was a loving husband, father of four children, and grandfather to ten grandchildren. He gave abundantly of his time, his talent, and his treasure to his family and community. Joe was born and raised in Philadelphia and was a lifelong fan of the Philadelphia Eagles football team. One year following his passing the Eagles won their first Superbowl, and the park bench in his honor includes the words of the Eagles fight song, “Fly, Eagles Fly.” It is located near the gazebo by the Sherwood Orchard, and our hope is that families will enjoy a place to rest and enjoy the views of this beautiful park after hiking or picnicking with family.
In Memory of Phil Tupper
March 19, 1983 – January 6, 2024
Phil’s passing left a giant hole in the hearts of all who knew him – his family, who loved him deeply, and his friends, whose affection for him in good times and bad never wavered. We are all so grateful to have had him in our lives.
Phil was kind, quiet and modest, qualities that stood out even in the rough-and-tumble of two of his favorite activities, endurance car racing and hockey.
He loved CVP and the entire natural world. He had an interest in everything from rocks to beetles and birds. And he especially loved dogs. No dog had a better friend than him.
A simple goodness shone from Phil all the days of his life
