Terry Vollum
For PostMedia
STIRLING – It was a challenging project that has taken a few years of hard work, dedication, along with wholehearted support from the community. And now, the Rotary Club of Stirling is pleased to announce the completion and the official opening of Station Park. There will be a formal, ribbon-cutting ceremony – along with a railway station Open House, to be held on site, Saturday September 30, from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. and all are invited to attend.
“We are all looking forward to this,” declared Rotarian, Donna Graff, “and since the entire station will be open to visitors, it provides a terrific opportunity for people to explore the historic building itself and then be our guests in the Community Hall for some light refreshments.”
It was a little more than five years ago that members of the Stirling Rotary club voted unanimously to proceed with a plan to develop a small tract of unused/overgrown land immediately adjacent to the historic railway station in the village. “We were looking for our next major community project,” explained Rotarian Bill Vaughan, “and the notion to create a beautiful green space in and around the railway station seemed a timely and appropriate choice.”
Vaughan went on to explain that the land immediately west of the station and south of the Heritage Trail is Municipal land, stretching west from the station to the Community Cupboard (Food Bank) building, a distance of roughly one hundred yards. It wasn’t long before a detailed conceptual plan, developed by Rotarians Kevin Tribble (landscape architect) and Bill Vaughan (retired civil engineer) was presented to Stirling-Rawdon council and, in due course, received approval. It was agreed that this be a joint venture between Stirling Rotary and the Municipality since the Municipality could supply all heavy equipment, along with certain materials required, while the local service club would provide all necessary funds to purchase topsoil, sod, trees, plants, picnic tables, park benches – and of course the essential sweat equity required to move this ambitious project along.
It all began in the spring of 2018 with the clearing of the overgrown tract of land. Once cleared, it was graded, shaped and prepared for sodding with the spreading of topsoil. Walkways were laid out throughout the park and sod was put down in the fall of that year. In the spring of 2019, the beautification stage began with the planting of almost 200 native shrubs, wildflowers and ferns along the southern edge of the park. Rotarians, assisted by members of the Stirling Horticultural Society, took care of all planting chores. Less than two weeks later, the second phase of Beautification began with the planting of 24 new trees along the trail and in the park itself. In late August, another 11 trees, along with 14 large shrubs were planted to complete the beautification stage – all financed by Stirling Rotary.
Today, Station Park is an inviting, beautifully landscaped public space, featuring meandering pathways, exquisite gardens, and leafy trees. A most welcoming oasis where you can relax at a picnic table or just set a spell on a park bench. The finished product is a truly beautiful neighbourhood garden, located in the heart of the village, for all to enjoy.
For more information please visit the Rotary Club of Stirling website or their Facebook page.