It's official - the beautiful new multi-purpose building at the Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden in West Sechelt is open. Saturday, Oct. 23, was a night to pause, reflect and celebrate at the Garden in West Sechelt as more than 60 garden society members, guests and dignitaries witnessed the opening of the centre named the Garden Pavilion.
While the finish of the building was the reason for the event, society president Mary Blockberger noted the building's completion was part of something much bigger.
"We haven't just built a building or made a septic field or dug a drainage ditch. We've created a legacy for this community we treasure. We've laid the groundwork, now it's time to move on. This garden will be enjoyed by young and old, individuals, families and groups long after we're gone. It will be a place where memories are made, and they will be treasured forever," she said.
Blockberger spoke of countless volunteer hours and personal sacrifices made by society members in the name of the botanical garden project, thanking everyone for their support.
"This past year has been an incredible journey. The tremendous support and encouragement shown to our society from our major funders has been overwhelming. The federal government, through their Community Adjustment Fund, the provincial government's Island Coastal Economic Trust, the District of Sechelt and the Sunshine Coast Regional District have all shown that they believe our dream should be this community's reality," she said.
After dignitaries had the chance to address the crowd, the Garden Pavilion was dedicated with a toast by society treasurer Heather Gordon.
"We dedicate these buildings and the land they stand on to the community as a place to come together for learning, peace and tranquility, enrichment and celebration," Gordon said.
Society members held a long vine for a fitting ribbon cutting ceremony before taking a musical diversion with a silly song created for the event, sung to the tune of "Hey Look Me Over."
The night wrapped up with the planting of a maple tree by founding society members Karen Tigges and Harry Hill, outside the entrance to the new building.
The general public was invited to the Botanical Garden the following day to celebrate with another ribbon cutting, tree planting and garden tours throughout the afternoon.
Go to www.coastbotanicalgarden.org for more about the Garden.
