Volunteers and Kruger Maddox praised as township presents first citizenship award for Floral Paradise Gardens

Delhi Township trustees and staff recognized volunteer efforts to restore the Floral Paradise Gardens and presented the township’s first citizenship award to Bob Maddox of Kruger Maddox for donating material, labor and ongoing support for greenhouse repairs and garden maintenance.

At the March meeting, township officials described a severe storm years earlier that damaged the greenhouse roof and noted volunteers had stepped in to keep the gardens operating. Bob Maddox told trustees his company donated materials and a crew to repair vents, motors and the greenhouse roof, and that he has also contributed plants, tools and hoses. Township officials said volunteers now maintain a smaller operational greenhouse while full repairs continue.

Why it matters: The gardens are a long-standing community feature and volunteers’ work preserves public green space and community programming. The township said the volunteer effort restored an asset used by residents and will continue to require modest funding for utilities, such as replacing the greenhouse heater and providing gas to run it.

Details from the meeting: Trustees and staff described the gardens’ local history and volunteer roster and thanked the volunteers by name during a brief photo pause. Bob Maddox reflected on family involvement in local greenhouse operations and said he planned additional support; he accepted the township citizenship award and asked volunteers to keep engaging. Township staff noted the greenhouse may need a new heater and that volunteers have arranged interim growing space while more work proceeds. One trustee asked staff to confirm whether funds are available to operate any new heater when installed.

Ending: Officials invited volunteers to continue participation and encouraged residents to visit the gardens; the board paused the meeting for a group photograph with Mr. Maddox and volunteers.