Lewes honors Lou Papp with tree in his beloved park

Lou Papp is known for working tirelessly to keep the gardens of Lewes looking beautiful.

It was no surprise that the city honored Papp with a commemorative maple tree planted April 4 in his beloved Zwaanendael Park. Papp served as Zwaanendael Park commissioner on the Lewes Parks and Recreation Commission for 17 years.

“Lou manned this park with a group of ladies, and they dug and pulled and they weeded. You can see it’s alive and well, and so beautifully represented,” said Cindy DeEmedio of Lewes in Bloom. The organization honored Papp with a lifetime membership.

Papp’s family and dozens of his fellow green-thumbers were there to pay tribute.

“I was really surprised to see this big of a crowd,” Papp said.

Lewes Assistant City Manager Janet Reeves said Papp’s vision and passion have shaped the city’s hearts and green spaces.

“Lou has played a pivotal role in enhancing the beauty and functionality of our open spaces here in Lewes. It’s not just about maintaining the park; it’s about creating a space for families to gather, children to play and for individuals to connect with nature,” Reeves said.

Papp was also a force behind the Lewes Community Garden on Park Avenue and the Children’s Learning Garden in Stango Park.

Michael Whitehouse, who, along with Kathryn Harris, helped Papp helped launch the community garden 10 years ago, said it would have never gotten off the ground without him.

“Lou said creating a community garden in town was also a dream of his,” Whitehouse said. “We petitioned city council and they started to take it seriously because Lou had credibility.” The garden is now a thriving part of Great Marsh Park.

Ray Fratella, the current Zwaanendael Park commissioner, said Papp’s maple tree is located across from a tree planted to honor Lewes in Bloom founder Warren Golde.

Fratella said one day, people will be able to sit under the trees’ big canopies and have a picnic.