Community will Enjoy McLennan South Neighbourhood Park
June 25, 2005
Mayor Malcolm Brodie and members of Council officially opened McLennan South Neighbourhood Park . The new park offers a stunning and tranquil environment for the entire community to enjoy.
The park is built around heritage and natural features, including a 1.5 acre perennial garden, and a mature forested area, giving it unique character and beauty. The public is invited to experience and enjoy the variety of trails and open spaces, where community members can gather to socialize, bird watch or take a stroll.
McLennan South Park encompasses several properties with features that illustrate the areas past. At the north end on Heather Street, remnants are visible of the Lulu Island Water Gardens started by the Ohler family. It was a small commercial operation that sold water plants, frogs and flowering bulbs beginning in the 1930’s. The Paulik family purchased several lots in the late 1920’s where they planted a large number of coniferous trees on one lot and an ornamental garden that has a large collection of rhododendrons and flowering perennials. A large area of blueberries found on the Ash Street side of the park are a reminder of the area’s agricultural past.
As part of the 2005 Parks Capital Projects, the City’s objectives for McLennan South Neighbourhood Park reflect the vision to:
- retain existing significant features, including the woodlot and other mature trees and the existing ornamental garden;
- integrate an interpretive and public art program that tells the story of the evolution of the area from bog to agriculture to residential neighbourhood;
- facilitate neighbourhood connections through partnership programs such as community garden, a garden club and informal social spaces that function as a shared backyard; and
- retain and enhance the existing songbird habitat.
The main trail system throughout the park is complete, which will lead you to the first dedicated piece of art entitled “The House of Roots,” by Jeanette Lee. A community art project will also be launched in the future. For more information on how to become involved, or for more background on McLennan South Neighbourhood Park, visit the City’s web site at: www.richmond.ca/parksrec/ptc/parks/construction/mcsouthcon.htm#mcsopening
