The Bowen Island Memorial Garden Society was formed on August 13,1987 because there was no church cemeteries or burial grounds on Bowen Island where visible reminders of former residents are made evident.This shady and beautiful area provides islanders with a lovely place to establish remembrances for loved ones. In addition, the informal garden has become a recognized feature of Crippen Park, which is a regional park, owned by the Greater Vancouver Regional District Parks Department.
The society includes members representing the following founding groups as well as a number of members at large.
Our aims are:
To establish a commemorative garden to epitomize and perpetuate
the essential spirit of Bowen island, with a view of both mountains and sea.
To utilize the natural beauty of the existing terrain
and trees.
To perpetuate a tranquil natural setting the beauty
of which may freely revitalize and comfort the inner spirit.
To make the access of the garden central and available
to all.
The objective of the society is to
be:
Able to accept donations on behalf of Bowen Islanders to memorialize loved ones and friends.
Able to provide for any construction needed.
To work in conjunction with the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) Parks Department in Choosing suitable trees, shrubs, archways, branches etc. and in construction of same.
To meet the costs of garden upkeep, new plantings and other on-going expenses with income from the Spring Bazaar and July’s annual People, Plants and Places Tour.
The Society’s envisions teaming with the Municipality and the community to create a two acre permanent garden park, with an inter-active centre for learning, hands-on gardening and the study of plants and ecology. Bowen’s Memorial Garden Park will be a place in which the community can create new memories and enjoy family events.
The Bowen Island Memorial Garden Society is a registered charity through the Government of Canada's Canada Revenue registration no. 890495195RR0001.