Park dreams become a beautiful reality

Elaine Marshall
Victoria Times Colonist
Monday August 30, 2004

CREDIT: Deddeda Stemler Times Colonist

Linda Macgregor and her granddaughter Felicity Rhone, 11, sit at the front entrance to the new Ed Macgregor Park in Sooke, Sunday, named after Linda's late husband and first mayor of the town. Linda Macgregor said a new park in Sooke is a realization of her late husband's dreams.

Ed Macgregor was Sooke's first mayor when the land was purchased from a private owner in January 2001. Macgregor hoped to build a park that would be "the centerpiece of Sooke's waterfront," on the land. He died in March 2003, before the park was completed, but his widow, Linda, was there on Saturday for to help celebrate the completion of the new Rotary Pier and a new sign at the front of the park, bearing her late husband's name.

"When I go there it's like seeing Ed's dream of what he hoped it would be all coming true," Macgregor said.

The sign erected at the park's entrance was carved from a eight-metre-long red cedar log by Sooke artist and wood carver Renaat Marchand. In addition to Ed Macgregor's name, it features intricately carved scenes of B.C., like the eagle on the left side and the orca carved on the right.

"The sign is a work of art, it's unbelievable," Macgregor said.

In addition to the sign and the Rotary Pier, Macgregor said the park features an amphitheatre, a pathway leading to the beach, numerous lawns and gardens and a "fabulous view."

"To have all these families there, all the kids running around, everybody really enjoying it, that's really special," Macgregor said, her voice breaking with emotion.

"It's pretty wonderful, and I go there with my grandchildren, we call it 'grandpa's park.' "

Future plans for the park include a boardwalk extending from Murray Road to the Government Wharf at Maple Avenue, washrooms and a parking lot for the disabled.

© Copyright 2004 Times Colonist
Times Colonist website: www.timescolonist.com