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Christa Lewis Memorial Aboretum
 In 1993, the Historical Society of Tacony
began exploring the possibility of improvements in Disston
Park to allow for better use of the park by the public. At
this time, the park was neglected and underutilized. After
some historical research and a study of current issues regarding
the park, it was decided in 1994 to initiate a project to
be known as "The Arboretum at Disston Park." The
plan envisioned substantial improvements to this area of the
park complete with new trees, benches, light fixtures, and
monuments. As a way to sustain and complement these improvements,
an Adopt-A-Tree Program was originated whereby friends, family,
and loved ones (both in the past and present) can be memorialized.
In early May, 1996, a tragic event occurred
in Tacony which had a profound impact upon Tacony. Christa
Leah Lewis, a gifted young resident, lost her life in a senseless
incident while attending a Carnival at Russo Park. The source
of pride that Christa was to her family, school, parish, and
friends, and her future accomplishments that will never be
known, inspired the decision of the Historical Society of
Tacony to rename the planned arboretum the "Christa Lewis
Memorial Arboretum." The Arboretum Committee and the
Society in general believes that Christa realized and appreciated
how her talent was influenced and developed by the people
in her life. What better tribute can be offered to her memory,
than a lasting memorial of peace and tranquility that such
an Arboretum would provide?
 The
Historical Society of Tacony had received a Pennsylvania Historical
and Museum Grant of $5000 in 1995 as "seed money"
to establish the first phase of improvements. Now, with the
support of the Lewis Family and the City of Philadelphia,
public workshops were held between September, 1996 and March,
1997 to discuss the implementation of Phase One of the project.
In April, 1997 the "Adopt-A-Park" agreement was
finalized between the Department of Recreation and the Historical
Society of Tacony. In addition, $7,500 of additional "seed
money" was secured through a Pennsylvania Community and
Economic Development Grant in 1997. The Arboretum was dedicated
on October 3, 1997.
Between November, 1997 and November,
1998, stone and planting area sponsorships were being accepted
for the Second Annual Dedication Ceremony. On November 7,
1998, this ceremony dedicated five additional tree sponsorship
stones and the initial planting area stone at the top of the
entryway from Disston Street. In addition, Councilwoman Joan
Krajewski secured funds to re-surface the basketball court,
install new sidewalks between Disston Street and Tyson Avenue
and install a new walkway leading to the train station.
 By
1999, with the help of SEPTA and State Representative Mike
McGeehan, a $250,000 improvement project was executed at the
Tacony Train Station. This project was completed over the
summer and features a new railing and steps to Disston Street,
wrought iron fencing along the rear of the park, new lighting
and a Victorian style city-bound shelter. Three additional
tree memorial stones and one planting area stone were dedicated
at the Third Annual Dedication Ceremony on November 13, 1999.
The Historical Society of Tacony
appreciates the continuing support of this project by the
community and looks forward to more improvements in the future
including a Victorian lighting scheme, permanent retaining
wall at the entryway, and a "Trail of History" commemorating
important events in Tacony's history.
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