Ever wanted to get a closer look at the landscapes of the Park Cities? Here’s your chance to see two amazing University Park gardens to benefit the Park Cities Learning Differences Association. Their hosting their 41st annual pool and garden tour on Thursday, April 26, from 6 to 8 p.m.
This year’s tour will include stops at the homes of Kathryn and Hal Cook (7000 Baltimore) and Susie and Mark Barnett (6767 Turtle Creek Blvd.) — both of which are absolutely stunning!
“The PCLDA Pool and Garden Tour allows participants to experience two of the Park Cities’ most unique gardens while raising money for our neighborhood schools. We’ve received wonderful community support for the event this year, and we are grateful to all of our sponsors,” said Jenifer Bush, 2017-18 PCLDA co-president. “This year, we are excited to include two spectacular University Park gardens.”
To be perfectly honest, “spectacular” is kind of selling them short, as both homes feature the literal best in the landscape business. The Cook’s classically inspired estate at 7000 Baltimore Drive is a beautiful design from the famed Harold Leidner Landscape Architects and offers incredible texture and detail around every corner. The Barnett’s home at 6767 Turtle Creek Blvd. is the work of Robert Bellamy. Both are absolutely stunning.
The honorary chairs for the event are Ashley and Paul Rasmussen. Paul serves as Senior Pastor of Highland Park United Methodist Church, who led a fundraising effort that raised $65 million for the new Tolleson Family Activity Center. When complete in 2019, the facility will include 22,000 square feet dedicated to the church’s special needs ministry. Ashley is an outstanding Realtor with Allie Beth Allman & Associates and is very involved in many areas of the church, including United Methodist Women. Paul and Ashley have three children who attend three different schools including Highland Park High School, Jesuit, and Shelton.
It’s a great event that benefits an organization that helps provide scholarships to children with learning differences, training for their teachers, and the resources to help them be successful. For more than 40 years, PCLDA has hosted this special spring fundraiser as a time to gather and enjoy gardens of the Park Cities with food, beverages, and even live music. “Sowing the Seeds” is more than the event theme – it’s the organization’s mission. By planting seeds of confidence in our children and nurturing them with education and support, we believe they can bloom and grow into healthy, successful adults.
What: Park Cities Learning Differences Association 41st Annual Pool & Garden Tour
When: Thursday, April 26, 6-8 p.m.
Tickets: $40 in advance and $50 at the door. Advance tickets are now available at www.pclda.org.
