Joseph A. Ghiz Memorial Park
Joseph A. Ghiz Memorial Park
The
Joseph Ghiz Memorial City Park
If
you want to see a real and thriving example of the power of
volunteering then you should visit the Joseph Ghiz Memorial City Park
in Charlottetown. This park covers an area that once was a land that
contained Weeks Coal Yard, railroad tracks, and swampland. There was
nothing beautiful and attractive about the area. In the year 1990,
the council of Charlottetown City decided to change the zone of this
wasteland from an industrial property to a parkland. But, there was
no big fund allocated for this work. Therefore, a dedicated team of
volunteers took the work into their hands and began the redevelopment
of the site. After consistent efforts and hours of work, they turned
the wasteland into the Grafton Street East Park.
On
June 23, 2000, the park was ready. It was a tribute to Ghiz, who was
the 27th Premier of Prince Edward Island. Coincidentally Joseph Ghiz
spent his childhood in Grafton and Hillsborough Streets, which are
just a few blocks away from the Joseph Ghiz Memorial City Park.
Premier
Ghiz is remembered across the country for his great efforts to
support Canadian unity. Ghiz died in 1996 after fighting a long
battle with cancer. After him, his son Robert was appointed as the
Premier of Prince Edward Island. It was the second time in history
that both, father and the son, became the Premier of Charlottetown
City. Known as the “Diamond in the Rough”, The Joseph Ghiz
Memorial City Park was opened for public in a grand opening on
September 21, 2001.
The
Lake of Shining Waters IODE, with the support of the city, did the
major work to bring the park into this current look. They did the
complete restoration of the park, planted trees, installed brick
pathways, flagpoles, and a memorial fountain too. Over time, a
basketball court, picnic tables, flower beds, and bike racks were
added. This made the park a must-go place for the public.
In
2006 the Lake of Shining Waters IODE went through divestment. Dr
Marlene Bryeton Ghiz Park Fund was founded in February of the same
year. They took over the responsibility to raise funds for the
regular maintenance of the park. All the development and maintenance
work of the park is now carried on with the help of an endowment
fund. The fund has helped to add many amenities like the entrance
gate, gazebo, and perimeter fencing around the park.
20
years and a long way to go
The
Joseph Ghiz Memorial City Park celebrated its 20th anniversary in
2020. A perfect example of great work done by a group of volunteers
that helped to turn an unimpressive piece of land into a beautiful
park. This park attracts a large number of locals and tourists now.
The local government officials also have taken an equal interest to
support the cause. Thus making
This
park has its own FB page ([can link to their FB page on
https://www.facebook.com/ghizpark/] and you can visit the page to
know the progress further.
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