LIMERICK — When Assiniboia Times first started inquiring about the recent upgrades to Limerick Centennial Park, it was soon learned that everyone credits Hilda Hildebrandt with the park and its beauty.
However, Hilda herself is quick to defer accolades from herself as she says this park is a team effort from the community.
The passion project that the 83-year-old Limerick resident dedicates herself to is a labour of love. Located on Main Street as you enter the village of Limerick, Hildebrandt said she wanted this beautiful park to be the first impression of their community.
Hildebrandt and her husband owned and operated the Limerick Hotel since 1956 and once it was sold, Limerick’s Park perfectionist has dedicated retirement time to the community Centennial Park.
Limerick’s Centennial Park on Main Street is enjoyed year-round. People can be seen sitting in the gazebo reading, relaxing or simply enjoying the solitude in the outdoors. Hildebrandt says it is because of numerous volunteers and donors that this park is the peaceful place it is today, and she aims to enlist others, along with herself, to keep it in pristine condition.
People are often seen sitting in the gazebo reading, relaxing, and enjoying their lunch break. Limerick has many dedicated and knowledgeable volunteers who are able undertake the enormous task of keeping the park in pristine condition.
While the village may be challenged with dwindling population, there are no naysayers in the residents as their spirit of pride in the community is evidenced in the presentation of this park.
In an interview with Assiniboia Times, Hildebrandt spoke of energetic and resourceful people who have helped with additions, upgrades and ongoing care at the park. It’s a simple but powerful motto in their community, “Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something.”
“I get the satisfaction of this park looking great and it makes my heart happy. There are always little things we can keep adding and if everything goes well, it will just get better,” adds the unofficial park ambassador.
Because of some issues with tree roots and other problems that arose, the park people decided to move to self-watering pots and feel this will be a great asset in dry spells, along with alleviating the need for so many volunteers to keep manually watering all things growing in this park space.
As with any community project, fundraisers are needed, but Hildebrandt was quick to point out that people not only support those fundraisers, but they also make donations of plants, pots and other park needs.
A memorial archway was erected in honour of Marlene Melquist, who was an integral part of the community, including being a major contributor to the creation of the Limerick Centennial Park.
Her son Ryan, had helped design/landscape the park when his mom was involved so was heavily involved in the design of this special archway at the park and helped enlist the builder of it. Residents have proclaimed this as a perfect tribute to such a wonderful woman.
“Now, instead of an empty space, people stopping in, or even our local people, can stop and enjoy the outdoors, smell the flowers and just enjoy the tranquil space,” says Hildebrandt.
Hildebrandt once again spoke of so many volunteers that have contributed either hands-on or with donations. She was quick to mention Sherry and Gary Poor as two of those dedicated people who have made a big impact on the park and its viability.
Community parks offer numerous benefits, including enhancing wellness, fostering social connections, contributing to community identity and developing community camaraderie in a shared purpose. These places can provide space for recreation, relaxation and social interaction.
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