Recognition Garden Fall 2023 Update

Ground has been broken! More funds needed to keep moving forward.

“A partnership between Niagara Parks and the Alumni Association to commemorate the 75^th anniversary of the Alumni Association”

The “Recognition Garden” will recognize and commemorate various individuals who have participated in and supported the School of Horticulture and Botanical Gardens.  The garden will support the story of these individuals, their service and dedication as part of the Botanical Garden experience for all who visit to:

•  Increase awareness of the School of Horticulture and BG history.
•  Provide an opportunity to make an emotional and lasting connection to students and grounds.
•  Celebrate all who have contributed to the School over the years. 

History and Timeline of Development and Progress

A project to commemorate the Alumni 75^th Anniversary was first discussed in Alumni Association and Foundation meetings during late 2020 and through 2021

A design Charette was held at the School Lecture Hall November 8, 2021.   Certain Alumni members generously volunteered their time and attendance to work with the 5 members of the 3^rd year 2022 graduating class, along with various staff members, to develop proposed design concepts for the garden.  The design Charette was featured in the Horticultural Herald so that all members could be included in the process to-date.

An initial design concept was selected and refined into a finished scaled concept drawing by Darren Schmahl NPD 87 and Andrea Berwick NPD13. This design was then also featured in the Horticultural Herald. 

Further meetings and discussions took place between December 2021 and July 2022 to refine many of the ideas, designs, components, etc.  

The inaugural Groundbreaking presentation was held on the School grounds in front of the Garden site at noon on August 27, 2022, in conjunction with the Alumni 75^th Anniversary celebration.  The 75^th Celebration and Garden ground-breaking events were both big successes and gave participants the opportunity to view the location of the future Recognition Garden.  

Throughout all this time Art Coles NPD 71, along with others have been actively fundraising for the project. 

In recent months, numerous follow-up meetings have been held to refine the planning and budget considerations for the final product.  Meetings have included Charles Hunter NPD 95, along with Ron Carpenter – Engineering NPC, Mike Milloy NPD 81 – Gateman-Milloy Inc, Jessie Bond – Botanical Garden, and others from time to time.  

Some parts of the design concept have been slightly amended to accommodate financing requirements, and a final budget and working design plan has been developed with the generous help, guidance, and contribution from Gateman-Milloy – Mike Milloy NPD 81.  

Thank you very much once again to Mike, the School and Botanical Garden, NPC, donors, and all other participants for all your generous contributions whether time, money, or expertise!

The initial construction occurred through the Fall and final touches to be added over the next year or two in terms of completing all the fine details, plant material, etc.

Funding

Funding as of early October for the garden stood at $96,906.94.  Our goal/requirement is to reach an initial funding level of $150,000.00 in order to support the primary construction phase.

One issue that unfortunately impacts our funding equation is that of HST.  Not all HST can be recaptured, in other words, it adds approximately 4% to the cost of the project.  This makes it all the more important to receive additional financial donations to cover the difference:   

Happening Now and Next Steps

Work is currently occurring onsite.  Prior to construction the chicken coop/building from the south end of the garden was removed.  Stone was collected and preserved.  The irrigation lines were all capped off.  Anne Van Nest NPD 83 has taken photos and offered to take more photos of the progress.  We will continue to provide updates of the development of the Recognition Garden in the Horticultural Herald and on the Alumni’s Facebook Page for all to see.

We anticipate coordinating closely with The Niagara Parks Foundation “Memorial Bench Program” following garden completion to have memorial benches strategically placed in the Garden space.

You may make your contribution online or by mail (cheque) or by e transfer, in honour or memory of someone or as a bequest.  Thank you for giving back to the Alumni community.

Donations $25+ are tax deductible and a tax receipt will be issued.

To send payment by cheque, mail to:

Alumni Association of the Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture Foundation; Care of John Howard Treasurer, 242 Miller Street, Meaford, Ontario N4L 1G9 

For a payment by e transfer send to:  alumninpcshfoundation@gmail.com. 

A donation can also be made through the website donation page:

Respectfully submitted – Bob Murch NPD 77