by Jennifer Vickers, Photo by Jeff Wayt

Spring is blooming in West 11th Street Park but no day in recent months saw more forest "animals" running around the park than on April 14. As part of the Timbergrove Manor Neighborhood Association's annual Run the Grove 5K, kids - and a few adults - donned tails, ears, turtle shells and more as they dressed up as woodland creatures for a Fun Run as part of a tribute to former Friends of the West 11th Street Park President Dr. Lorraine Cherry.

These festivities and a touching presentation about the park and Dr. Cherry's legacy in spearheading efforts to preserve the 20+ acre forested plot as a natural preserve in the midst of the neighborhood followed the 5K. A special Run the Grove poster designed by

TMNA's volunteer-organized event not only benefits the Timbergrove Manor Adopt an Esplanade Campaign but is a very important fundraiser for West 11th Street Park. The generous donations of sponsors and race participants are essential to ensuring resources necessary for ongoing park maintenance and help with trail enhancement and other projects. Special thanks to this year's Presenting Sponsor Tommie Vaughn Ford.