The Story Behind the Sculpture “Mediation”

Public gardens are often places where art commemorates community members who have contributed significant service to their community. Central Park Gardens of Davis is no exception. The sculpture “Mediation” in our garden is in honor of Thomas Frankel, who passed away recently on June 16, 2025. The sculpture was dedicated by the City of Davis to Mr. Frankel in January 2000 with a plaque that reads: "By his friends and family for his many years of outstanding service to the community of Yolo County."  The terrazzo sculpture depicts a pair of hands in a protective form, suggesting conflict resolution. The sculpture exemplifies how Frankel practiced family law and mediation during the fifty-six years he resided in Davis.

Frankel was president of the board of YoloCares (formerly Yolo Hospice) for many years. He was named Citizen of the Year in 1984. He also served as a trustee at the Explorit Science Center and co-founded the local chapter of the Yolo Compassionate Friends. Frankel was active in the establishment and growth of Congregation Bet Haverim in Davis, serving as board president. He was a member of the Rare Fruit Growers Association, growing more than eighty trees of many varieties in his yard. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

“Mediation” was sculpted by local artist Donna Billick and donated to the City of Davis. A self-described rock artist, Billick has created large scale public art and community-built art in cities across North America. Her mediums are ceramics, mosaic, terrazzo, stone, bronze, steel, and cement. Ms. Billick is locally known for “The Dancing Pigs” and “Cow Fountain” sculptures located at The Marketplace. Donna Billick cofounded the UC Davis Art-Science Fusion program with Diane Ullman, an entomologist and artist in 1997. Over the years, Billick led program participants in the creation of various ceramic installations on the UC Davis campus, including “Nature's Gallery Court”, oak-themed mosaic murals, benches, and tree plaques in Shields Oak Grove at the Arboretum, and “Miss Bee Haven” installed at UC Davis Bee Haven on Bee Biology Road.

     

We’re tremendously grateful for your generous donations and participation in The Big Day of Giving.

Thanks to your support, our garden will continue to provide a beautiful and diverse place of learning, peace, and joy for all. As you know, your donation makes it possible for Central Park Gardens to invest in the tools, plants, signage, irrigation, fencing, and program supplies to keep the garden thriving into the future.

Taking a stroll through the garden on a spring Saturday morning highlights the impact of our work. The garden bursts with flowers, pollinators, art, and community life. People of all ages, both locals and visitors from afar, come to the garden to discover something new, gather gardening ideas to take home, sit on a bench and catch up with a friend, or capture a favorite moment with a photo. These little experiences add up to make our lives better and build a more healthy, vibrant community.

Thank you for helping to make this possible. Your contribution truly makes a difference!
 

Help us grow Central Park Gardens of Davis by supporting us during Big Day of Giving on May 1.

Your donation of any amount will help us continue to enhance our volunteer-run public garden in the heart of Davis. Places of beauty, love, creativity, and generosity sustain our spirits during challenging times. With your support, we can keep growing Central Park Gardens as a diverse and resilient learning landscape that is accessible for all.
 
The Big Day of Giving is a once-annual 24-hour giving challenge to help local nonprofits raise funds to make a difference in our community. 

Did you know? Donations as little as $10 make a big difference. You can start giving from now through May 1 during the Early Giving period. If you donate in a loved one’s honor, the person will receive an email to let them know. Please let your network of garden and nature lovers know that you support Central Park Gardens by sharing our posts on your social media accounts. A good word from a supporter like you is the most meaningful way for us to make others aware of our participation in Big Day of Giving.

One of our most ardent Friends of the Central Park Gardens of Davis, Peggy Smith, received the City of Davis AG Brinley Award 2024 for her steadfast volunteer services and tireless work with Central Park Gardens for the past seventeen years. Since 1970, the City of Davis has presented the AG Brinley Award to recognize “outstanding service in a particular area, such as in the arts, education, or health, or in a major project that benefits the community of Davis.” As co-founder of Central Park Gardens of Davis, Peggy has served in many roles and has added to the success of the organization. Emily Griswold, Central Park Gardens of Davis Board President, tells us that “the beauty of Central Park Gardens that provides a welcoming place of peace, wellbeing, and inspiration to our community has only been possible through Peg’s devoted efforts.”

For those who may not know, Central Park Gardens of Davis is a demonstration garden adjacent to B Street in Davis, which community volunteers tend. The garden is separated into several distinctly themed “garden rooms” that visitors can stroll between. Themed gardens include Rose and Flower, Sensory, California Native, Meadow, Vegetables, Beneficial Insect Habitat, and Waterwise Gardens.   As a co-founder, member of the steering committee (2007-2016), board member (2017-present), and volunteer gardener, Peggy has participated and shown leadership in every major phase of the garden’s development, from building paths, fences, irrigation, and public art installation to tending to garden plantings. 

Beginning in 2006, Peggy served as the garden leader for the Central Park Gardens vegetable garden and beneficial insect borders. Peggy served as public education coordinator for the gardens from 2007 to 2020. In that role, she coordinated monthly UC Master Gardener led education sessions in the garden for the community, as well as open houses and plant sale events. Since 2021, as Volunteer Coordinator, Peggy has led biweekly volunteer sessions open to all. These sessions help to recruit and train volunteers.

In addition to her work with Central Park Gardens, Peggy has volunteered with the UC Master Gardeners of Yolo County program since 2006. When asked about Peggy, Master Gardener Program Coordinator Jennifer Baumbach said, “Peg is an amazing volunteer who is always looking to help. She has mentored trainees and enabled other Master Gardeners to become better presenters through her instruction and encouragement. Peg is a joy to have as a volunteer because she has many connections to the community both in Davis and within the Master Gardener Program. She’s a gem!”   As a member of the Public Education Committee, Peggy helped organize education coordinators for sites across Yolo County to strengthen programs and avoid duplication of efforts. Peggy has attended many field trips and provided photos for the organization’s newsletters and publications.

Beyond gardening, Peggy has volunteered for Davis Parent Nursery School as a parent volunteer and historian (1980s), Davis Free Clinic volunteer (1980s), and Frog Society Founder and President, a philanthropic group that bought textbooks for UC Davis medical residents. As Davis High School PTA president in the late 1990s, Peggy actively supported music programs and served on many committees, including the hiring committee for the music program director and planning committees for capital project improvements.

Local leaders have acknowledged Peggy’s cheerful, can-do volunteer spirit. Ann Evans, former Mayor of the City of Davis and former Yolo County Master Gardener, shares, “Peg Smith is a go-to source of information, energy, ideas, and enthusiasm. She has historical information, scientific information, and community information. She can teach anything and does with respect to gardens. Our community is indebted to the passionate, smart and strategic work of Peg and the partners she works with to create, teach, and foster more natural beauty through gardens in our civic landscape.”  Bob Bowen, 2021 Citizen of the Year, said, “Peg’s hard work on and steady commitment to the Central Parks Gardens is legendary and has made our town a more beautiful place.”  Randii MacNear, Davis Farmers Market Manager, says, “I have never met such a devoted volunteer - she serves as a community role model for volunteerism. She inspires all of us and brings joy to the garden. Even when facing the challenges that are part of managing a public space, she remains very humble and calm and resolution-centered.”

Expressing gratitude for receiving the award, Peggy also acknowledged the partnership of the volunteers and community collaboration. Peggy explained, “Our volunteers who work willingly in the heat of summer and the chill of winter energize my spirit. Our visitors give us the gift of their time to communicate thanks and tell us where they are from and what the garden means to them.”  Peggy also pointed out the efforts of prior awardees, “The historical impact of the efforts of these recipients has helped establish over time much of the essence of why people love Davis - a tradition of trying to contribute to make it better for all.”

Congratulations to Peggy Smith; we thank her for her enduring commitment to the Central Park Gardens of Davis and to the Davis community.

Join Tree Davis and Central Park Gardens: Help Grow our Public Green Spaces!

Are you passionate about the environment and looking for a way to make a lasting impact in your community? This program invites you to join Tree Davis and Central Park Gardens in fostering sustainable green spaces in our community. As a volunteer, you’ll:

• Take part in hands-on activities that help nurture green spaces in Davis.
• Learn valuable skills in gardening, tree care, and environmental stewardship.
• Work alongside a team of like-minded volunteers committed to creating a greener, healthier city.
• Receive guidance and training from experienced leaders in horticulture and urban forestry.

Apply Now!

Application Submission Deadline: January 10, 2024

Training Dates: 

• Zoom intro session: January 23rd, 6:00-7:00 pm. 
• In-person Garden Sessions: 9:00am – 1:00pm, January 26th, February 2nd, and February 9th. 

Commitment:

We ask for a one-year commitment to volunteer monthly at Tree Davis or Central Park Gardens to ensure our community green areas thrive. 

• Central Park Garden events are held year-round on Sundays.
• Tree Davis events occur on Saturdays during the fall through spring months, with a break in the summer. Please note, while the training sessions occur on Sundays, all Tree Davis events are held on Saturdays.
• Independent volunteers are also welcome to help year-round at the Tree Davis Memorial Grove.

By participating regularly, you’ll play an essential role in sustaining and expanding our public green spaces

Training Fee: Please note that we ask for a $20 training fee to help with costs. You can pay the fee  using the Tree Davis Donor Box: https://www.treedavis.org/donate/ If this fee poses a financial barrier, please reach out to us to discuss an educational stipend.

Why Volunteer with us?

• Gain hands-on experience in sustainable landscaping and tree care.
• Be part of a community working to combat climate change through urban greening.
• Make new connections and build lasting friendships with fellow volunteers.
• Help create and maintain green spaces that benefit wildlife and the community.

No previous experience is required—though a background in horticulture or urban forestry is a plus! All you need is a passion for the environment and a willingness to get your hands dirty.

Note: If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign a liability waiver for you to participate. 

If you have any questions please contact: hope@treedavis.org

Application Submission Deadline: January 10, 2024

Get Started Early!

We encourage you to join us for a volunteer event with Tree Davis or Central Park Gardens before the training sessions begin! This is a great way to get familiar with our team, meet other volunteers, and experience firsthand the kind of work you’ll be involved in. Early participation will help you connect with our community and feel even more prepared for the training.

Sign up for a Tree Davis event:

Get started early

Sign up for a Central Park Gardens event:

Get started early

Apply for the Training by January 10th

Inspiration can be found in many places. Luke, from China, has recently completed a degree in Illustration and is visiting Davis and UCD as he would like to continue his studies in media and graphic design. He found inspiration in Bellapede here in Central Park Gardens.

Our many volunteers have helped us provide a quiet, relaxing place to enjoy nature and a place for artwork from a number of local artists. Not only can nature inspire art, but art can inspire other art.

  

Central Park Gardens was delighted to partner with Tuleyome/Nature’s Theater for a presentation of The Search for King Carbon, a walking play for kids about climate change. A City of Davis Arts grant funded the play. The kids joined a guide to learn how to produce less CO2, help the environment and stop global warming. The Nature’s Theater group put on a wonderful and interactive show on January 29th leading the group throughout Central Park to track down the naughty CO2’s and find the King of Carbon. Great fun was had by all!

Tuleyome was founded in 2002 as a volunteer advocacy-oriented nonprofit conservation organization. Their mission is to engage in advocacy and active stewardship with diverse communities to conserve, enhance, restore, and enjoy the lands in the region. Lyndsay Dawkins is one of the founders of Nature’s Theater, a program which uses story to create nature-based programming and opportunities for school-aged children. Teens are the mentors for younger kids and volunteer their time.

• Guide: Jared Umphress
• Earth King: Ben Simon
• Tree: Jerah Wilkinson
• CO2s: Skye Falyn, Maddie Hayes, Ayisi Ni, Siena Dawkins, Noah Meissner

In keeping with county and state requirements, we have developed this worksite safety plan. While we are not currently doing public volunteer sessions, our essential garden stewards have been authorized by the city of Davis to perform necessary maintenance in the garden.

Topics for Work Force Training

• Information on COVID-19, how to prevent it from spreading, and which underlying health conditions may make individuals more susceptible to contracting the virus.
• Self-screening at home, including temperature and/or symptom checks, using CDC guidelines.
• The importance of not coming to work if workers have a frequent cough, fever, difficulty breathing, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, recent loss of taste or smell, or if they or someone they live with have been diagnosed with COVID-19.
• To seek medical attention if their symptoms become severe, including persistent pain or pressure in the chest, confusion, or bluish lips or face. Updates and further details are available on CDC’s webpage.
• The importance of frequent handwashing with soap and water, including scrubbing with soap for 20 seconds (or using hand sanitizer with at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol when workers cannot get to a sink or handwashing station, per CDC guidelines).
• The importance of physical distancing, both at work and off work time (see Physical Distancing section below).
• Proper use of face coverings, including:
• • Face coverings do not protect the wearer and are not personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Face coverings can help protect people near the wearer, but do not replace the need for physical distancing and frequent handwashing.
  • Workers should wash or sanitize hands before and after using or adjusting face coverings.
  • Avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Face coverings should be washed after each shift.

Individual Control Measures and Screening

• For self-screening at home, ensure that screening was performed prior to the worker leaving the home for their shift and follows CDC guidelines, as described in the Topics for Work Force Training section above.
• Encourage workers and visitors who are sick or exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 to stay home.
• Central Park Gardens requires workers use all required protective equipment including face coverings and gloves where necessary.
• Face coverings are strongly recommended when workers are in the vicinity of others. Workers should have face coverings available and wear them when in shared work areas in the garden. Face coverings must not be shared.
• Central Park Gardens will take reasonable measures including posting signage in strategic and highly-visible locations to remind visitors that they should use face coverings during their visit.

Cleaning and Disinfecting Protocols

• Workers should bring their own tools and equipment. Tools should not be shared.
• Where such items must be shared, disinfect with a cleaner appropriate for the surface between shifts or uses, whichever is more frequent.
• Equip workspace with proper sanitation products, including hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes.

Physical Distancing Guidelines

• Implement measures to ensure physical distancing of at least six feet between workers and visitors.
• Display signage at entrances to remind people of physical distancing and face coverings usage at every opportunity.
• Utilize work practices, when feasible and necessary, to limit the number of workers in the garden at one time. This includes scheduling of alternating days for on-site work.
• Avoid touching others’ tools and equipment. No use of shared tools from the shed.

Central Park Gardens of Davis invites and welcomes all to find respite and beauty here during this time. Our hearts ache from the ongoing health crisis, violence, and pain felt by all people.  We are especially concerned for those in the Black community throughout our nation. We stand with all who are seeking change for a better future.

The City of Davis and Central Park Gardens welcomes the world. We strive to

·       Build an environment that values the abilities of all by proactively removing barriers and providing accommodations for full participation.

·       Foster a welcoming space where the entire community can engage in civic life and work together for the common good.

·       Offer inclusive educational opportunities for all to develop skills and knowledge of sustainable horticultural practices that benefit our community and our environment.

We are better when we grow together.

Central Park Gardens will host its annual Open House and Plant Sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26. The gardens are at the corner of Third and B Streets in downtown Davis at Central Park.

Water-wise California natives, perennials, herbs, succulents, bulbs and vegetables, many of which grow in the gardens, will be available for purchase along the eastern walkway of the gardens. Click here to view the inventory.

Knowledgeable UC Master Gardeners of Yolo County will staff the plant selection stations to help in the choice of the “right plant for the right place” for a garden in our region of the valley. Master Gardeners will also be throughout Central Park Gardens to answer questions on the mature plantings and show examples of the plants available. Look for the “Ask Me, I’m a Master Gardener” name tags!

Volunteers from the UC Davis Arboretum Pollinator Education group will host an information display to educate visitors about gardening for pollinators.

From its early beginnings in 2007 when the challenge of renovating the Central Park Gardens was accepted by a group of community volunteers and Master Gardeners the garden has now, because of the careful selection of plants appropriate to our regional climate, grown into a place of beauty, a haven for native bees, birds and beneficial insects to be enjoyed by all. Please join us at our celebration of 12 years of success and community involvement at Central Park Gardens.

Central Park Gardens of Davis is a nonprofit all volunteer organization that welcomes community donations. Anyone can become a “friend” by making a donation to the Friends of Central Park Gardens. Proceeds from this event support the purchase of new plants, tools and supplies to maintain and improve the garden as an inspiring and educational public resource.