Lance and Terry Sparling were instrumental in funding the completion of the garden pavilion at the Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden, so the society has decided to name the pavilion in their honour.
In a ceremony at the garden on Monday afternoon, March 28, the society officially declared Sparling Pavilion as the name for the new building. Society president Mary Blockberger said the Sparling's gift of $225,000 made the completion of the community building possible.
"Partway through construction, it became apparent that we were not going to be able to complete this project to the high standards set by Wakefield Home Builders and the Botanical Garden Society," Blockberger said. "We just weren't going to be able to get there with the funding we had available, so Lance and Terry gave us a very, very generous gift of $225,000, which enabled us to complete this project with a level of visitor safety and accessibility and environmentally sensitive building practices wherever we could employ them. We never ever could have gotten there without their help."
Lance is the president of Wakefield Home Builders, the company hired to do the development work on the property.
Blockberger said the Sparlings connection with the society started back in 2008 when they visited the botanical garden to purchase a Christmas tree.
"I think that was the first fundraising event that we actually held on the property. It was great, and we made lots of what would be the beginning of great relationships. This one particularly was the start of a wonderful relationship between the society and the Sparling family," she said.
In 2009, Blockberger toured the site of what would become the botanical garden with Lance and other members of Wakefield Home Builders. It was then that he pledged his company's services to the project.
When the funding ran out, the Sparlings stepped up to donate the additional funds needed to get the work done.
"We wanted the botanical garden to be able to finish their project for their enjoyment and for the community's enjoyment, because it's a wonderful project. We're very proud to be part of it," Terry said.
Lance noted the pair share the botanical society's vision for the future.
"The Sparling family has a strong sense of gratitude for our connections to the land, water and plants, and we hope future generations will share our sense of responsibility for these resources," Lance said. "These gardens are a community treasure providing not only a place of beauty, but leadership in sound environmental practices and education for our community. It is an honour to participate in the stewardship of these resources for future generations to enjoy."
