The canals in the Walled Garden at Untermyer Gardens in Yonkers have been restored. The canals are the signature feature of a Persian garden, symbolizing the four rivers of Paradise, and have been in disrepair for decades. Water leakage was severe. Century old pipes and cracked concrete were replaced, with new accessible bridges installed. A state-of-the-art membrane will prevent further water leaks. The project took 9 months to complete.
According to Stephen F. Byrns, president of the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy, the project cost was $500,000, of which $250,000 was contributed by Scenic Hudson in memory of Kathryn Wasserman Davis. The concept of the Garden of Eden is a universal one, shared by Judaism, Christianity and Islam, and it was this universal aspect of the garden which meshed with Ms. Davis’ lifelong commitment to peace among various cultures and religions.
The canal project is Phase One of a three part restoration. The nearby Temple of the Sky needs significant repairs, which are estimated to occur in 2020. The Persian Pool is the largest of the projects and could take place in 2022.
A large school of small goldfish has been introduced into the canals for the summer, sure to delight many visitors.
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Conductor Leonard Bernstein’s birth, the
Untermyer Gardens Conservancy will host “Bernstein & Friends,” a night of music in the
walled garden. Tickets are $30. For more information on other upcoming events, visit untermyergardens.org
