Hikers in Garibaldi Provincial Park now have more places to rest their feet, while families' memories live on.
As a part of B.C. Parks' 100th anniversary, the Ministry of Environment sold 100 new benches to place in its forested lands. Two benches are going into Garibaldi Park, both with local ties.
Sheena Ball and her brother, James Brown, have sponsored a bench to commemorate the accomplishment of their great-grandfather and grandfather, W.T. Dalton and A.T. Dalton. The father and son were members of the first party known to have climbed to the top of Mount Garibaldi. The duo reached the top on Aug. 11, 1907.
Another bench, at the end of a hiking trail in the same park, is dedicated to a beloved Ministry of Environment colleague and friend, Lenami Godinez. Last summer, Godinez's tragic death made headlines around the world, when the 27-year-old fell 1,000 feet to her death in a hang-gliding accident.
One of Godinez's favourite pastimes included the six-hour trek into Garibaldi Provincial Park, ministry officials said in a statement.
“Evidence that Lenami's life touched many hearts during her short time in British Columbia is a second bench dedicated to her memory,” ministry officials wrote.
Sponsored by Encorp Pacific, it overlooks Cultus Lake.
Although the 100 for 100 Park Bench Challenge has come to an end, individuals, companies and organizations can continue to support the Classic Park Bench program through the B.C. parks Commemorative Gifting Program, the ministry's release stated.
“The success of the 100 for 100 Park Bench Challenge is a testimony to the value the people of British Columbia place on their BC parks,” Environment Minister Terry Lake said. “The generosity of the donors will help make wonderful memories for park visitors for generations to come.”
