Editor’s note: The following is an open letter to mayor and council.
I moved to Sudbury in 1987, and it’s been my home ever since. I have a camp in my home town of Temiscaming/Kipawa, Que., and for the last six years, my husband and I have been spending our summers there. This summer, I have been spending a lot of time in Sudbury, and I have found that the city gardens are looking rather shabby.
As a former Greater City of Sudbury Parks employee (1991-2005), I am upset and saddened to see the flower/shrub beds unplanted, and the ones that are planted are covered in weeds.
As we are in the middle of August, the gardens should be at their peak. In 1994, the Parks employees were presented with an award of distinction for outstanding achievement in horticultural excellence by then Mayor Jim Gordon and city council.
Our city had entered into the Communities in Bloom and Sudbury had achieved 4 Blooms, which is the highest award possible. This is a national program, so to achieve this level is an outstanding accomplishment.
I am very sorry to say this, but if the Greater Sudbury was to enter into this competition today, I doubt that 1 Bloom would be achieved.
OK, I am looking at the city gardens with a critical eye, but I do know what they should look like.
I also understand the kind of weather that we have been having (I do have home gardens and camp gardens), but these city gardens have been neglected.
They are in need of some tender loving care.
What is going on in the Parks Department?
Is it mismanagement? A shortage of qualified gardeners? Cut in funding?
We are known throughout the world for our re-greening programs. Back in 1969, Sudbury was used for a moon walk.
Now Greater Sudbury is covered with trees and green spaces, beautiful parks and lakes.
Why are our city gardens looking so unkempt?
I do have to say that not all of the parks are neglected.
Memorial Park is a gem in downtown Sudbury, and it is an oasis for workers to have a break and children and adults to enjoy the splash pad.
The use of hard materials in the larger design plants, yes it works, but we also have to maintain the living plants, which are very important for all of the little creatures, and we need them, too.
I am proud to call Sudbury my home, and I would love to see the entire city gardens in full bloom.
Sue Vaillancourt
Sudbury