Downtown Kinston Revitalization adopted from the City a downtown lot at the corner of W. North and Mitchell  Streets to install a memorial garden in honor of Ms. Shirley Herring who had dedicated herself to beautifying  downtown Kinston. She is credited for the hanging baskets along Herritage Street and other pots of flowers and  plantings downtown.  

This 3-year-long project was funded by generous donations from many people and friends and family from across  the U.S.  

A mural of giant flowers and bunnies painted by Sully McCrae on a wall along the back of the park serves as a  colorful and whimsical backdrop to this garden located directly across Mitchell Street from the Dragon Playground  at Pearson Park. Boy Scouts constructed the pergola, Rose Clark is fabricating a sculpture of Ms. Herring, benches  were dedicated by Neuse Sport Shop and The Village, as well as by Ms. Diana Shackelford. Ivey’s Garden Center did  the landscaping. Far too many people were involved to name them all, but the Downtown Kinston Revitalization  Design Committee was the team that managed this impressive project. 

This is a beautiful addition to downtown and we are grateful to all who made this vision a beautiful reality in Ms.  Herring’s honor.  

On Tuesday, April 23rd at 11:00 AM there will be a dedication ceremony onsite. The public is invited to attend.