Two major improvements were undertaken in the Czech Cultural Garden in 2009.

One; the two full size statues in the Garden, Comenius and Masaryk, were illuminated with the use of relatively new technology. A solar collector powers two LED flood lights, the system is backed up by batteries recharged by the solar collector. The installation was done by Photon Energy LLC, a new local company. The cost of this system was approximately $5,000 and was funded by a grant from the Foreign Ministry of the Czech Republic. This is a first use of solar energy in the park. It is a good application of this emerging technology since electric power is not readily available in the gardens. See attached photo-page illustrating the installation as well as the night time effect.

Two; The Czech Garden undertook the task of replacing a missing bust of Bozena Nemcova, a woman novelist famous for her novel “Grandmother”. The model was created by Paul Burik. The mold and the bronze casting were made by a local studio - Light Sculpture Works. The cost of approximately $12,000 was funded by a donation from the Victor Ptak family, grant from Holden Parks Trust and a donation of the artwork by Paul Burik. The bust was completed and placed at the Bohemian National Hall for viewing until spring of 2010 when better weather will allow for installation at the Garden and a dedication ceremony. See attached photo-page for the illustration of the process of making the bust.

As every year, the Czech Garden planted flowers and additional tulip bulbs were planted for next year showing. Also, three of the five existing busts were waxed as a preventive maintenance.

Lastly, several tours were conducted through the Gardens including the NASA Lewis Ski Club and The Czech and Slovak Society of Arts and Sciences – Cleveland Chapter. An annual wreath laying ceremony commemorating the establishment of Czechoslovak Republic was held in October.

Paul Burik, Czech Cultural Garden Primary Delegate

Click on the following links for the photos and text on each item.

Nemacova replacement bust’s manufacturing process

Solar lights installed in Czech Cultural Garden