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(Left:) the Gardiner Gazebo was supported by the Gardiner family as well as many local businesses; (top right:) Mayor Ames Leslie, centre, with Evelyn Gardiner, left, and her husband Fred Gardiner, right, at the plaque unveiling; (bottom right:) Evelyn Gardiner, centre, with Fred Gardiner, right, at the opening ceremony. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)
The Gardiner Gazebo

Gardiner family donate new gazebo to community

Sep 16, 2022 | 9:45 AM

The community now has a brand new gazebo to enjoy during their strolls along the walking path in Battleford.

On Thursday, the Town of Battleford held an official opening and plaque-unveiling ceremony to recognize the Gardiner family who spearheaded the project.

The Gardiner Gazebo is located off 35 Street West, near 2nd Avenue, across the road from the A.C.T. Park, in the river valley.

Battleford residents Fred Gardiner and his wife Evelyn spent about two years working on the project.

“We donated this gazebo for the community,” Evelyn said. “We wanted to put a building in a scenic area. It’s beautiful by the river, and people can enjoy walking around here. So we decided that maybe we could do this.”

It was Fred’s idea to build the gazebo by the river.

“We wanted to do something while we are still able to help, and see the results of it,” he said. “People are using it, and it makes us smile. That’s what it’s all about, for families to come and enjoy it. It’s great.”

The gazebo will next see lights installed, and some picnic tables added around the outside. The full value of the initiative is still being finalized.

The Gardiner’s son, Sheldon, who was raised in the Battlefords, and his family also contributed to the project.

As well, a number of local businesses also supported the effort and donated their time and materials to help with the build.

The Town of Battleford worked with the Gardiner family to provide the space for the initiative.

Mayor Ames Leslie said Fred and Evelyn Gardiner have been integral pillars of the Battlefords, both as business owners and longtime contributors to the community. He described the Gardiner Gazebo as a legacy project for the family.

“Their name will forever be etched on this project,” Leslie said. “For them to donate back to the community that they have raised a family in and have chosen to retire in, this is just an honour.”

Battlefords MLA Jeremy Cockrill was also inspired by the Gardiner family’s gesture.

“The river valley and the trail we have here in Battleford, it’s really one of the best parts of both our communities,” he said. “It’s great to see people reinvesting, and contributing to making it a better space for everybody.”

Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow

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