Supporters of Sweetmans Gardens are looking to the city to protect the ‘community gem’ near McIntyre Street West and Cormack Steet.
Liza Vandermeer confirms Tuesday night’s presentation to council was in response to recent brush and tree clearing adjacent to the gardens.
“It is, but I’d like to be mindful that we are here to remind people of the value of the garden,” she says.
Vandermeer was joined by Maddy Young and Sam Wolfe for the presentation.
They all highlighted various benefits of the garden, saying it’s become a sanctuary for people, plants and animals.
“For 62 years the community has been able to enjoy this space, and I would like to ask council to protect it,” says Wolfe.
Among other things, they say the urban trees help fight climate change, provide natural cooling and the gardens are a serene, peaceful place that are good for mental health.
There’s also children’s programming, a veggie patch, various trails and more.
Afterwards, Mayor Peter Chirico thanked the group for their presentation on what his granddaughter calls ‘The Secret Garden’ saying they’ve raised awareness and talks with staff will be forthcoming.
