Doug Melanson Park plantings underway
Fundraising continues for trees, benches and more
The granite slab that served as the front step for the former Milton School for nearly a century will be engraved by Heritage Memorials for the Doug Melanson Park. “Just think of the people who have walked over this,” said volunteer David Sollows, shown here with committee chairwoman Jean Clulee.
A new park is underway on the former Milton School site, bordered by Elm, Brunswick, and Huntington streets in Yarmouth.
The Doug Melanson Park is close to an acre in size, with winding paths, a wide variety of tree species, shrubs and benches. Three large play mounds in the center provide climbing and rolling opportunities for visiting youngsters.
Park committee chairwoman Jean Clulee says many people have an emotional connection to the site.
“It’s really amazing the comments we get,” she said.
Sue Amon taught at the school for 25 years or more.
“All my kids went to school here,” she said.
She and her husband Frank have been watering the new plantings ( 20 trees and 15 shrubs), three times a week, since the end of May.
“It’s a two-hour job each time,” she said.
The family recently donated a bench in honour of their son, Christopher, who died 15 years ago.
Sue had heard the park was seeking contributions towards park elements and she thought the bench would be a nice tribute.
The family started a GoFundMe on April 24 and by April 26, the anniversary of Chris’s death, the goal was surpassed.
“Over 40 people gave. That’s the gift of love that he left, it sits there. It gives us a really nice feeling that he’s still part of the community,” she said.
Clulee says not only memorial benches and trees are being donated, people who are alive and well are also being honoured with these park elements.
“It could be something your child or grandchild could watch grow,” she said.
Committee member David Sollows was a principal at the school and taught Grade 6. He’s excited about the many different types of trees that have been planted.
“There are some interesting trees. We’ve got a metasequoia there and there’s a gingko biloba, a katsura, paper bark and amur maples, a copper beech… I’m wanting to see it in about 50 years,” he laughed.
The park committee estimates close to $60,000 must be raised to complete the park, which is a joint project with the Town of Yarmouth and the Milton Improvement Society.
Eventually, games tables, balance beams, interpretive signage and a labyrinth and public forum area will be added to the park. Frank Amon, Philip Amon with girlfriend Avery Enzenauer and Susan Amon on the bench donated in memory of their son Chris, who died in 2003. The Doug Melanson Park is close to an acre in size, with winding paths, a wide variety of tree species, shrubs and benches.