The Sunset Park Garden Project has been a true labour of love—one that has grown from a spark of inspiration into something deeply rooted in community, connection, and care. Led by educators Jessica Blais and Deanna Riching, this initiative has been over a year in the making, involving students, families, staff, and the wider North Bay community every step of the way.

This project goes far beyond planting flowers. Students explored well-being, identity, and belonging through a special book created just for the garden—one that introduced eight original superheroes, each representing a condition from The Third Path approach to student success. From Captain Safety to Heart of Purpose, these superheroes helped bring emotional and social learning to life in a way that was fun, empowering, and deeply meaningful.

Students have painted rocks, explored nature-based learning, and taken pride in shaping something beautiful and lasting. The garden has already become a place of joy, curiosity, and peace—and it will continue to grow as a living classroom and community hub for years to come.

We’re excited to officially celebrate this incredible achievement at our Garden Opening Ceremony on June 23rd. This special event will mark the beginning of a new chapter for Sunset Park, and we invite our school community and supporters to join us in honouring the work, love, and learning that brought the garden to life.

We are deeply grateful to the local businesses and partners who believed in this vision and helped make it a reality:
●Blais & Sons Electric
●Laporte’s Nursery
●Warren Lindsay and Clean Green Beautiful North Bay
●Modern Auto Body
●Canadore College
●Poulin Construction
●Sunset Park’s School Advisory Council
●Near North District School Board

Thank you, North Bay, for helping us plant the seeds of learning, beauty, and belonging—this is just the beginning!