Mrs. Lizzie Rodgers was a beloved resident of this community. When tragedy would strike a neighbor, Lizzie Rodgers collected money for flowers. She would intervene in fights between teenagers before they came to blows, and knock on doors to tell neighbors about community meetings that affected them.
For three years, Mrs. Rodgers attended meetings and lobbied to get a small park for her neighborhood. Her goal was to keep children safe. If there was a neighborhood park, children would no longer have to cross busy Orange Center Boulevard in order to get to George A. Barker Park, and they wouldn’t have to play in the street.
Her years of dedication to her neighbors prompted them to seek a way to return the favor. They asked the city to name that small park next to Orange Center Elementary after Lizzie Rodgers. Upon hearing of Mrs. Rodgers’ care for her neighbors and dedication to their wellbeing, the city agreed.
The oasis of green along the shore of Sunset Lake is a safe place for children to enjoy being kids, and a lovely spot for a lunch break. The space is so peaceful and inviting that a family of bald eagles have taken up residence there.
Mrs. Rodgers was a member of Bethel Baptist Church as well as the Gardenia Court 10, Heroines of Jericho and Order of the Eastern Star.