New garden in Maffeo Sutton Park commemorates Rotary's community contributions

Rotary Centennial Garden now open

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed October 20, 2020 8:31 AM

Summary

Nanaimo residents now have a new garden to visit in one of Nanaimo's most popular parks. In spring 2020, construction began for the Rotary Centennial Garden as a way to commemorate the five Nanaimo and Lantzville Rotary Club's 100 years of contributing to projects within Nanaimo.

Local Rotarians contacted the City of Nanaimo in 2016 to brainstorm ideas for a new project on the Nanaimo waterfront that could be implemented for the 100th anniversary in 2020 and would help create a legacy project to acknowledge their 100 years in Nanaimo.

The location at the north east corner of Maffeo Sutton park was previously an open green space, but over the past few months it was transformed into a public garden inspired by the work and values of Rotary. These values include:

promoting peace
fighting disease
providing clean water, sanitation and hygiene
supporting mothers and children
supporting education
growing the local economies

The garden is inspired by its location - the shoreline. The design emulates the waves and ripples of the ocean, the logs that roll up on shore and the vegetation that grows along the beach edges. The design also incorporates plants and materials to reflect the intertidal coastline of Nanaimo.

For more information on Nanaimo's parks, visit www.nanaimo.ca/recreation-parks.

Link to Strategic Plan: Improving parks and open spaces is part of making Nanaimo a more liveable community.

Key Points

Construction of the new garden began in the spring.
The Rotary Centennial Garden commemorates 100 years of service and contributions by the Nanaimo Rotary Club to this community.
The Rotarians donated $200,000 to the City of Nanaimo in order to implement this garden in Maffeo Sutton Park.

Quotes

"The City of Nanaimo is grateful for the Nanaimo Rotarians who have, for over the last 100 years, contributed to so many projects that have enhanced our community. The Rotary Centennial Garden is a wonderful tribute to 100 years of service and the many other amenities they have given to the citizens of this City."

Leonard Krog

Mayor

City of Nanaimo

"To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Rotary Club of Nanaimo on May 1,1920, we wanted to create a significant project for the community. The Rotary Centennial Garden is a reflection of our vision to create a beautiful, public space accessible to everyone. We greatly appreciate the City of Nanaimo granting us the use of the wonderful location in Maffeo Sutton Park. We also thank the City for all their cooperation during the planning and completion of the project. The local Rotary Clubs look forward to continue to serve the community for the next 100 years and beyond."

Bob James

President

Rotary Club of Nanaimo

Quick Facts

Nanaimo Rotarians have a long history of improving local parks and facilities. Since 1920, they have assisted in the building and funding of projects, including a number of large scale projects, as well as the development of Bowen Park, Rotary Bowl and Track, gateways to Nanaimo, Rotary Field House and Northfield Park (now the Tourism Centre).
The construction of this Rotary Centennial Garden is part of ongoing work to improve Maffeo Sutton Park.

Images

Rotary Garden Grand Opening (photo by Sean Fenzl)

Nanaimo Mayor and Council and Rotary Members open Rotary Centennial Garden

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Contact:

Scott Newlands

Parks Project Coordinator

City of Nanaimo

250-755-7504

scott.newlands@nanaimo.ca

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