From staff reports
The Rhododendron Arboretum in Oil City’s Hasson Park, an extensive rhododendron planting on a hillside within the 48-acre public park, features a collection of more than 500 of the plants in 25 varieties.
The colorful blooms begin to come out in mid-April and can be seen as late as July. The flowers are at their peak around late May into early June.
On late Thursday afternoon, many of the bushes were in full bloom as they covered the hillside in shades of pink, purple, red, and white.
Hasson Park was created when a 48-acre parcel of land was deeded over to the citizens of Oil City on Oct. 2, 1895, by Capt. William Hasson, a prominent local businessman, and philanthropist.
Formal ceremonies marking the city’s acceptance of the park were held on July 4, 1896.
The Oil City Garden Club will celebrate the club’s Rhododendron Arboretum at Hasson Park during ceremonies on Saturday that will mark the park’s 125-year anniversary.
A program will be presented at 1 p.m. that day on the past, present, and future of the park.
