For 30 years, the Vankleek Hill and District Horticultural Society has been helping make Mill Street Park an attractive part of the community.
The park was created by the former Town of Vankleek Hill Parks and Recreation Department in 1994 following the establishment of a Beautification Committee in 1993 led by Gisbert Rosenstein and Horticultural Society members Jim Christie, Doreen Russell, and Willy and Margaret Zerter. The park, beside the Vankleek Hill Community Centre, was originally home to a pond and was the site of a sawmill, and turning mill which produced much of the historic gingerbread trim which characterizes Vankleek Hill’s historic homes. The property was donated to the town in 1950 for recreational use and the pond was drained. The first arena was built on the site but condemned in 1971. It was replaced by the current community centre building in 1979.
Since the formal establishment of the park in 1994, the Horticultural Society has enlarged and added flowerbeds, and done regular planting and weeding. In 2000 as a millenium project, an oak tree was planted to commemorate society executive and regular members. In 2007, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Vankleek Hill and District Horticultural Society, a granite bench was installed in Mill Street Park. To commemorate 30 years of gardening at Mill Street Park, a plaque has also been unveiled in the park including the names of the Beautification Committee members who helped establish the space in 1994.
Currently, Mandy Jefferys is the President of the society. Mary Higginson is First Vice President and Daryl Waite is Second Vice President and Past President. Karin Palmquist is Secretary and Joan King is Treasurer.
For more information on involvement in the Vankleek Hill and District Horticultural Society, go to https://www.vkhhorticultural.ca/executive.php.
