Honoring Ernesta Drinker Ballard.

WHEREAS, Mrs. Ballard has a long and distinguished career in park and horticultural management. For eighteen years, she served as Director and President of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. She was appointed to the Fairmount Park Commission in 1981, and in these twenty- one years, she has used her vast experience, wide range of knowledge and true wisdom to enhance the 8900 acre Park in every possible way; and

WHEREAS, In addition to her enormous responsibilities at the Park Commission, Mrs. Ballard, a lady of numerous talents and interests, has authored a whole bookshelf of books and articles on gardening. She has been a member of countless civic and community boards, and continues to advocate for the causes and organizations she holds dear; and

WHEREAS, With her broad knowledge of philanthropic funding and advocacy, Mrs. Ballard spearheaded the restoration of the Swann Fountain in Logan Circle and has been particularly interested in the park holdings along the Schuylkill River. She raised millions of dollars for the restoration of the Fairmount Water Works, a project now well on its way; and

WHEREAS, Ernesta Ballard has been a tremendous force for good on the Fairmount Park Commission, and we are persuaded the Commission is stronger and wiser because of her loving devotion to it; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELHIA, That we hereby honor and commend Mrs. Ernesta Ballard for her remarkable contributions to this City for almost four decades.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Mrs. Ernesta Ballard as evidence of the high esteem and sincere gratitude of this legislative body.

End