Rotary club creates garden as community service project in Powell River

Playground equipment stood unused for three years in the back of the Jean Pike Centre for Inclusion after children’s programs moved out and adult programs moved in. It no longer had a purpose at that location and last March it was dismantled and moved to Cranberry Children’s Centre.

Members of The Rotary Club of Powell River decided to create a garden in the large fenced area that could be used by inclusion Powell River (iPR) clients and staff as well as the general public.

“Our club is always looking for community service projects to undertake,” said president Frieda Hamoline. “When the idea for a garden was presented to our board of directors, there was unanimous agreement to take it on with both a financial and volunteer labour component.”

One of the first things Rotarians did was remove blackberry bushes along the back fence. That task and dismantling the playground equipment had nearly two dozen Rotarians attending a work party in March.

“Rotary volunteers have transformed the back yard,” said iPR CEO Lilla Tipton. “Through this partnership Rotarians are getting to know our organization and the people we serve. From my point of view, the blooming of these relationships alongside the garden makes this project over the top special.”

Once all the playground equipment was removed, a large 30-foot by 30-foot hole was left in the middle of the property.

Working with T&R Contracting, the hole was filled with sand, which the company donated.

“What an exciting day it was when the slinger truck rolled into the neighbour’s yard and started throwing the sand into the hole,” said Hamoline. “In the past, it would have taken so many hours, so many people and so many wheelbarrows to accomplish what was done in a short time.”

Also being filled that day were raised garden boxes that Rotarians had built at a member’s place. A work party included sawing and hammering together 12 layers three feet by eight feet by two feet, and 12 others three by three. After painting them with a wood preservative, they were taken to the garden site where they were put together.

The following week, the slinger truck was back with a load of Salish Sea Soil to fill the boxes and provide a top layer on the large area in the middle of the property where grass seed was spread.

Powell River Garden Club members offered advice about the proposed garden and what tree, bushes and plants would do best within it.

“They also made recommendations about trimming limbs from a large tree in one of the corners,” said Hamoline, “so one of our members used his chainsaw to do that.”

Recommended plants and packages of wildflower seeds were put in the boxes and in a mound garden in that corner.

“A beautiful sequoia tree is growing in the neighbouring yard,” added Hamoline, “and as we planned to erect an arbour, the garden club members suggested it would make a great background for wedding, reunion or family gathering photos.”

Rotarians also donated plants and seeds for a vegetable planter that was ready on site as well as sunflower seeds for a display along the back fence. As the vegetables grew, iPR clients harvested and prepared meals with them.

“Participants had a wonderful opportunity to be a part of the transformation by helping out with the beginning stages of the gardening,” said  community inclusion manager Yvonne Russell. “They have since been able to enjoy it during their summer activities as well as a couple of the parties held there over the summer. The space has been transformed into a place where people can relax and enjoy.”

Dedicated Rotarians and community members donated plants for the garden, as did Springtime Nursery.

“That helped the funding we provided go further,” explained Hamoline.

A Zen garden was created at the side of the centre on the way into the garden. A Japanese pine pom-pom tree is the focal point surrounded by moss, ferns and hosta as well as rocks and a lantern.

Russell added that the Zen garden has also given the staff a place to enjoy during their breaks and while looking out their office windows.

“One of our members’ spouse constructed a Zen rake,” explained Hamoline. “A staff member mentioned that the sound of the rake going through the gravel was very soothing.”

Two large community events were held, first a Rotary barbecue in honour of District 5040 governor’s visit in July and a garden party open to the community in August. Flowers were in full bloom for the event. In addition, a summer camp made use of the space.

“Transformation of this outdoor space was a wonderful addition to our summer activities for the children and teens in the Family Support program,” said family support services coordinator Lisa Beaulieu. “We look forward to many more days spent enjoying and inviting friends and family to enjoy the beautiful garden together.”

Two weddings were held in The ARC Community Event Centre in August and another is already booked for next summer.

Tipton anticipates more events, both inside and outdoors, taking place in the coming years. She credits Rotary creating the garden as a contribution to increasing the centre’s appeal as a venue.

“We’re grateful,” she said, “to have this amazing opportunity to work together.”