From July 29-31, the Peace Garden hosted a celebratory event in honour of 90 years.
The garden was constructed in 1932 from horticulturalist Dr. Henry Moore’s idea for a tribute for American and Canadian friendship. The National Association of Gardeners approved the plan and selected the Manitoba and North Dakota border as the location.
Not long after the garden’s dedication, Civilian Conservation Corps started clearing brush and the first buildings were constructed. The project came to a halt during World War II, but continued when funding became available in 1948. Today the Peace Garden spreads over 3.65 square miles, and serves as a fabulous common ground for Americans and Canadians.
The garden’s newest edition, the Children’s Nature Play Area, shared its grand opening with the 90th birthday celebrations. With 90 years of memories the International Peace Garden plans to make many more; this means they have embarked on a road to a sustainable future, the children’s play area being one of the first steps.
CEO Tim Chapman gave a few words at the opening, as well as HTFC Planning and Design representative Andrea Linney. Everyone involved expressed their thanks for the support from both Manitoba and North Dakota businesses that made the play area possible.
Dorothy Dobbie, IPG board president, shared her excitement about the children’s area.
“It is a way to show peace starts at a young age,” said Dobbie.
Not only is this sustainable park a great space to play, but it is also a wonderful place to learn. The area is divided into different zones inspired by various animals. The plan is to add information to the zones describing the animals and their importance to local Indigenous peoples.
Tim Chapman had the present children climb the turtle zone for the ribbon cutting. With the help of Madison Marion and Liam Brown-Veselack, the ribbon was snipped signifying the official opening of the Nature Play Area. For the kids who wanted to remember their part in the ceremony, a section of the ribbon was allotted.
After the ribbon cutting, kids were invited to gather in a circle to listen to elders share their stories. Both kids and adults alike had smiles on their faces as they listened and explored the innovative playground.
If one play area was not enough, a bouncy castle joined the multiple vendors on the lawn. Tents lined either side of the green space in front of the Promise of Peace sculpture. There was something for everyone, young and old, or even a furry four-legged friend.
Vendors were selling many items including dog accessories, jewelry, hand made art, and even cricket treats. Prairie Cricket Farms booth was a real attention grabber with their wide array of cricket products.
Ryan and Lesley Steppler gladly chatted with customers about the benefits of trying insects as a new form of protein. These Manitobans were certainly turning heads with their tent; but in case crickets were not your desired treat, there were also many food trucks to choose from.
The birthday celebration was packed with many fun events, but also ensured a ceremony was held in honour of fallen officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty protecting our natural resources.
At the Game Warden Museum a service was held to commemorate the lost lives of wildlife enforcement members in the recent years. Sheriffs from both Canada and the United States were present to show their appreciation for their fellow peers who passed. Ten new names were announced and added to the memorial outside the museum over looking the gardens.
A description for each officer was read aloud, acknowledging how he or she passed while serving in their line of duty. The memorial is the only institution in the world dedicated to educating the public about natural resource protection and honouring the profession’s heroes.
The International Peace Garden is a very special place that values peace and those who keep it. The garden is also a space to make lifelong memories. Sarha Veselack just a week earlier held her wedding ceremony on the international grounds. She shared her husband had proposed to her there, creating a sentimental air to the garden for the pair. Now they return with their son to share the positive experiences with him.
The International Peace Garden finished off the festivities with daily live music and performances, as well as fireworks on Saturday, July 30. The weekend celebration was a huge success with amazing weather that served as an enjoyable time for all who attended.

by ERIKA NEUFELD, Recorder staff