TODAY'S BIG STORY: Youngstown next to get Peace Garden

Duling and three others spoke at length to the Youngstown Village trustees on Thursday night about a Peace Garden to be implemented this summer at Falkner Park.

The group is following the lead of others who've started similar projects at Niagara University and in the Village of Lewiston, and there's will have perfect timing — opening as a celebratory piece to enhance the War of 1812 Anniversary festivities.

Tracy Lloyd, a horticulture specialist, has offered her services and will help with the planting as soon as the ground thaws.

Youngstown Mayor Neil Riordan said the opening of the garden should be the main attraction of a program on Aug. 20 that will also include a 5K race and a fishing derby.

"This is a very tasteful centerpiece for the day," Riordan said.

Duling said the group is following a criteria set in place by the Binational Economic and Tourism Alliance after attending similar opening in Lewiston and Grimsby, Ont.

According to the BETA website:

The Bicentennial Art of Peace Gardens Project is an initiative undertaken by the Binational Tourism Alliance, Arts Councils, International Peace Garden Foundation and Community partners throughout the binational Niagara Region to create a cross-border Peace Garden project by the launch of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 in June 2012.

The Bicentennial Art of Peace Gardens Project is an initiative undertaken by the Binational Tourism Alliance, Arts Councils, International Peace Garden Foundation and Community partners throughout the binational Niagara Region to create a cross-border Peace Garden project by the launch of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 in June 2012.