Local group raising funds for Rose Garden and fountain repair project

Pauls Valley’s Rose Garden in Wacker Park is being prepared for a refresh. A restoration effort is now underway to repair the historic fountain and pool, plant 30 new rose bushes, and refresh the grounds with new mulch.

The project carries a fundraising goal of $12,000, and organizers say the investment is about far more than landscaping; it’s about restoring a community treasure.

According to community volunteers leading the project, the Rose Garden has been one of Pauls Valley’s most photographed and cherished public spaces for decades.

“Families have gathered there for prom pictures, wedding portraits, in Easter outfits, and for quiet moments of reflection. Generations of residents remember strolling past the fountain on warm evenings or watching children toss pennies into the water while making wishes,” organizers said in a recent statement. “The Rose Garden has always been a place where Pauls Valley slows down and breathes. Restoring it isn’t just maintenance—it’s honoring the memories people have made here and ensuring future generations can make their own.”

The restoration plan includes:

•Repairing and resealing the fountain and pool that serves as the garden’s centerpiece.

•Planting 30 new rose bushes, chosen for color, fragrance, and resilience in Oklahoma’s climate.

•Adding fresh mulch and revitalizing the beds, giving the garden a clean, vibrant look for the seasons ahead.

The $12,000 fundraising goal will cover the materials, repairs and ongoing care. Community members, civic groups, and local businesses are invited to contribute to the effort.

Organizers emphasize that every gift—large or small— helps restore a space that belongs to everyone.

“The Rose Garden has given so much to this town,” one volunteer shared. “Now it’s our turn to give something back.”

Donations for the project can be mailed to Pauls Valley Rotary, P.O. Box 3, Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, 73075.