Rocky Reach Discovery Center honored for Dahlia Garden excellence

WENATCHEE — The Rocky Reach Discovery Center and its grounds crew have been awarded a Commemorative Medal by the American Dahlia Society for their contributions to dahlia cultivation and promotion.

The award recognizes the center's 37-acre garden complex, which includes a dedicated dahlia garden originally planted by Tony DeRooy, a local horticulturist.

"Rocky Reach has really increased the visibility of dahlias beyond what could have been," said Linda DeRooy Holmes-Cook, past-president and trustee of the North Central Washington Dahlia Society. Holmes-Cook is the daughter of Tony DeRooy, who was instrumental in establishing the gardens at Rocky Reach.

The dahlia garden at Rocky Reach holds historical significance as the first public dahlia garden in North Central Washington. It continues to play a vital role in the local horticultural community, with volunteers from the local dahlia society maintaining the tubers annually.

Parks Foreman Todd Shales leads an eight-person crew responsible for managing the extensive grounds. The team cultivates between 30,000 to 50,000 plants annually in three greenhouses owned by the Chelan County Public Utility District.

The American Dahlia Society also presented a President's Award in memory of Tony DeRooy, acknowledging his contributions to dahlia cultivation in the region.

Rocky Reach Discovery Center's recognition highlights the ongoing importance of public gardens in promoting horticultural education and community engagement.