FALL RIVER: Jamieson Park, the gem maintained by the volunteers with the Fall River Garden Club, was on full display for the community to see on Oct. 6.
At the event, those attending had an opportunity to learn about the history of the park, find out what is in the plans for the future; see the new sign; and learn about the wooded area and path. As well, information on the club was presented.
Councillor Steve Streatch was in attendance during the four-hour event held at the park, which is located at the intersection of Fall River Road and Lockview Road. It is between GP Vanier and Ash Lee Jefferson schools.
Information from the club indicates that the land where the park sits was part of the property of Major Clarence Jamieson (1851-1938), who came from PEI to work at the Moose River Gold Mines, and later at the Waverley Gold Mines.
“He deeded the land for the cemeteries to the three churches in March 1888,” the information brochure said. “A grandson decided in 1983 that the land should be called ‘Jamieson Park.’”
Clearing and preparation of the land was done under a grant from Dept. of Develop. and carried out under the direction of Bert Bishop and John McMaster: the soil and sod being donated by then MLA Ken Streatch. A name plaque was donated by Jimmy Coughlan.
The late Gordie Snow, who was councillor at the time, donated a tree which was planted by the Grandson, in honour of Major & Mrs. Jamieson.
“Sometime later the entrance to Lockview Rd. was altered and a walkway placed through the park,” the club said.
In 2008 the Fall River Garden Club saw the opportunity to develop a Community Garden for all to enjoy, and work began with funding through Councillor Barry Dalrymple from HRM.
“Since then the trees (including original apple trees) have been trimmed and more trees have been planted, as well as additional gardens added (grass, shade, herb etc.),” the club said.
A few years ago the Garden Club undertook the process of adapting the wooded area between the walkway and the school play field into a wooded section with a path, seats and brush piles for wildlife.
Since some of the club’s members have had their properties designated Wildlife Habitats by the Canadian Wildlife Federation, they sought the same for Jamieson Park, and it became the first such public park in Canada to have that designation.
The gardens and the wooded area behind have been certified as a Wildlife Habitat by the Canadian Wildlife Federation.
This garden and two others in Fall River (LWF Hall & Fire Museum) were established and are maintained by the club.
