Volunteers worked hard this past summer and here are some pictures to show it!

By now I am sure that most of you have noticed the beautiful waterfall that enhances the paved walkway in the new Rossburn Memory Park situated on Victoria Avenue E. At one time this property was the site for the Parkway Co-op Convenience Store and fuel pumps. When the store relocated, the land became a vacant lot. Over time, it gradually deteriorated to the point where it was deemed an eyesore.

The Petal Pushers Garden Club recognized the need for a relaxing area where the residents of the Lady Fatima seniors' facility & members of the community could enjoy the outdoors. Through the influence of the Communities In Bloom initiative, in which Rossburn has participated for several years, the inspiration to create a Memory Garden was founded.

Several people offered their suggestions about the design of the park and a core group of individuals took on the task of making the idea become a reality. The Petal Pushers Garden Club greatly appreciates all the support from the Town, the R.M., the local businesses, and all the residents in and around the Rossburn area.

In June the transformation of the vacant lot began. With the help of community volunteers, members of the garden club, paid workers and professionals, the underground sprinkler system was installed, the walkway was paved, the grass seed was planted, the containers were filled with colorful flowers, and the amazing waterfall was built. The garden club had purchased some perennials last year, but those shrubs and trees will be transplanted into the park next spring so that the root systems will be strong enough to tolerate the cold winter. Concrete tables and benches have been ordered. Upon their arrival this fall, they will be placed in the Memory Park.

Although the project is off to a good start, there is still much more work and monetary assistance needed in order to complete it. In addition to the $5,000.00 grant and generous donations from the Town and R.M., the cost for developing the land is supplemented by public donations and local fund-raising events. To date, the expenses incurred are greater than the amount of money that has been raised.

The members of the Petal Pushers Garden Club continue to volunteer their time working at functions in order raise more money. If you' would like to contribute to this worthy cause, please call Beverley Brown (859-2219) and she will be very happy to answer your questions or accept your donations.

On behalf of the garden club, I sincerely thank everyone for your strong support and positive response to this project. Because of your generosity, the Rossburn Community has a welcoming new place for residents and visitors.

Rossburn Group works towards Memory Park

Rossburn Petal Pushers, a volunteer group striving to make our town a competitive partner in Communities in Bloom, is working towards establishing a memory park.

This park will be located on the lot formerly occupied by Parkway Co-Op Convenience Store.

The project had its beginning last summer when some volunteers donated their time and labour to landscape the site.

Future plans for the site are to plant trees, shrubs and flowers.  There will be green space with pathways leading to benches for those who wish to "sit for a while" and enjoy the serenity provided by the tranquil sounds of a fountain or waterfall.  The estimated costs for the park is $20,000.

Residents in the area may share in the development of this park by giving a community gift.  In doing so their name or that of their loved one will appear on a plaque placed at the site.  Another opportunity is for someone to purchase the naming rights.

The executive, Bernadine Brown, Beverly Brown and Mary Joslin, welcome any discussion.

Originally published in Crossroads This Week

The Petal Pushers require donations to see their project through. The Memory Park looks gorgeous with its breathtaking waterfall and curving cement walkway but there is much work yet to be done. If you are able to assist in any way please feel free to call Bev Brown at 859-2219.