Regional asset
Founder of Trenton Park revitalization group focusing on possibilities
Early on a summer Monday morning, with rain in the distance, there is barely a parking spot available at Trenton Park. For Jen Bethell that is both inspiring and frustrating. Bethell, who grew up in West Pictou and is now raising her family in Pictou, is the founder of the Hemlock Group, a group of 11 that has spent the past five years planning a revitalization of the 50 year-old 565 acre park. Together with Trenton Mayor Shannon MacInnis, the group recently announced plans for $2.6 million improvements in the park. “We see this park as an incredible but vastly under-developed park that is very much a regional asset,” Bethell said, sitting at a picnic table outside the park gates, watching mothers with children, dog walkers, runners and folks of all ages walk by. Trenton Park is one of Atlantic Canada’s largest municipal parks and its walking, hiking and mountain bike trails wind past fishing ponds and through centuries old coniferous trees, including a large stand of hemlock trees which are reputedly the oldest in the province. Bethell left Pictou County at 15, returning years later with a husband and young children. Her interest in the park was triggered after friends invited her and her children to an outing in Truro’s Victoria Park. “Up to that time I’d been taking my kids to school playgrounds. We enjoyed Victoria Park and I naturally wondered why we didn’t have a similar facility in Pictou County.” That is when she took a good look at Trenton Park. “I didn’t see the kind of activity we saw in Victoria Park, but I saw a lot of potential. I decided that rather than complain about what was missing or out of date, I’d focus on the possibilities. The need to upgrade was obvious, but I could also see great possibilities for children, for families and for seniors,” she said, adding her vision for the park encompasses all ages. A runner who is a regular on the slopes of Fitzpatrick Mountain, Bethell began to carefully and strategically assemble a support team committed to a revitalized park. She quickly joined forces with Martin Bates, Trenton’s longtime recreation director and park manager, and also sought out people with diverse but complimentary skills. “I knew from the start I’d need to build a strong support team with expertise in different areas and we’d need to do a lot of homework. I’m the driver of the vehicle but I found it surprisingly easy to get good people to come on board. We’ve operated under the radar for years, just trying to put pieces of the project together,” said Bethell who studied rural and small town development and has a background in management. Putting the pieces together involved initiating discussions with many community groups and asking for their support. “We have a letter of support from the Pictou County Seniors Council which is very important considering our aging population. It confirms that park space, with trails and picnic areas and other amenities, is very important to seniors,” said Bethell. Another aspect of the project has involved bringing planners and trades people to the park to consider and cost changes and enhancements. “Through that process it has been interesting for our group to see enthusiasm for the park growing. We’ve got a very generous, very supportive community and we want them to see our plans are for an accessible, inclusive recreational park with opportunities for entertainment and cultural events,” said Bethell. Recently the group approached county municipalities asking them to contribute toward the park revitalization. “Trenton has committed $100,000, we’ve also had support from the towns of New Glasgow and Stellarton to date, and we’re hopeful of more support. It is encouraging that other municipalities are recognizing the park as a regional asset, the kind of asset that is very important in attracting newcomers to our area. We have to recognize community assets are an important aspect of economic development.” Bethell actually sees the park’s appeal going well beyond the region. “People, including families, seniors and community groups, are looking for outdoor activities and I expect they would be quite willing to come some distance to spend a day in the park if we can offer them a variety of activities, good washrooms, food and picnic areas.” Expanding the parking area and upgrading washrooms are priorities but Bethell pointed out a better-equipped canteen and improved signage are also vital. “One of the additions I envision is a large, fun splash pad for young children with seating areas for parents and grandparents,” she added, noting plans also call for improvements around the existing pool. She also wants to see soft and hard landscaping, weather resistant garbage cans and more information for park-users. “We want this park to have high-usage year-round so we’re talking about a splash pad and improvements in the pool area but we also have to look at making it inviting in winter.” Bethell feels her positive approach is the most important thing she has brought to the project. “I’ve never been involved in anything like this before but I think the time is right for positive initiatives. It is a big undertaking and there have been bumps along the road but no risk, no reward. I am motivated by the possibilities.” When she is not tending to her massive garden this summer, Bethell will be pursuing more avenues of financial support for the park. “We’re just going public with our plans and I know there are many people who are anxious to get involved but we’ve still got work the group of 11 has to complete. The opportunity for other people to participate is not far down the road and we’ll welcome all supporters.”
Rosalie MacEachern is a Stellarton resident and freelance writer who seeks out people who work behind the scenes on hobbies or jobs that they love the most. If you have someone you think she should profile in an upcoming article, she can be reached at r.maceachern@ns.sympatico.ca.