The Rotary Club of Lake Conroe has completed Phase I of a unique park alive with trees and plants, a bird sanctuary, a large pond with a duck nesting area, and so much more. A rainwater conservation project waters the gardens; a wildlife garden will soon wind its’ way around the water’s edge; a butterfly garden will provide hours of nature study; a walking trail rims the pond, which is home to many species of aquatic life; there are benches for relaxing, pavilions for study or lunch, a meditation arbor, and a stunning waterfall that is the most dramatic piece of the park.
How was the park named?
In October of 2005, when this journey began, in committee we called this project “The Memory Garden”. As it grew, the working name became “Memory Park”. Many people in the community submitted thoughtful suggestions for the permanent name. All were reviewed, but the major donors were all in consensus that the park should not be named for any one person or group, but rather areas of the park would be named for honorees. Over time, the simple Memory Park just seemed to be the right choice. Several people submitted Memory Park as their name of choice, and we will honor them with pavers in the park.
Where is the park?
The Park is adjacent to the new Charles B Stewart Library in Montgomery. Phase 1 – dedicated June 28, 2008 - includes the waterfall, rose garden, arbor and walking trail. Because a park such as this one is truly a living, breathing creature, it will never really be “finished” – it will simply mature and become more beautiful as it moves through time.
How do I become involved?
Everyone is invited to become part of this effort. Service clubs, school and church groups, garden clubs are already participating. Organizations may adopt an area of The Park or assist with workdays to plant or build. Work in the park will qualify for Community Service hours for students in many honors programs and service clubs.
Shepherds For the Savior, The National Charity League and Texas Parks and Wildlife have already adopted areas of the park. Texas A&M students and The Lonestar Groundwater Conservation District have a project; a young Eagle Scout has multiple projects; The Bentwater Garden Club purchased the first bench, and several more benches followed in rapid succession.
While every project must pass through a review process we are very open to new ideas and suggestions. Water conservation is important to us, so only native and naturalized Texas plant life will be used. We will carefully control the number of structures in the park in order to maintain a natural and serene setting.
You may enter the world of Memory Park as a stranger, but you will leave as a friend! All who work in the park will receive a special wrist band/bracelet, designed as a Thank You for our park volunteers, with our slogan“ Growing A Memory”.
Who decides when and where my memorial will be placed?
We urge donors to focus on the areas being built first, of course, but we will try to honor all requests for placing a memorial in a specific location. The park is being built almost entirely through volunteer efforts and in-kind donations from contractors, so construction progress will depend on the availability of those generous citizens. Therefore, we can’t commit to a date for placements until a specific project has been completed. Because of the very personal nature of the park, we urge donors to come and walk the site with us and find your perfect location and type of memorial. We believe you too will feel the magic!
How do I donate?
This park began when two local residents opened their hearts and their pocketbooks. First, Rotarian Don Carter donated the funds for the construction of The Shane Carter Rose Garden, the park’s initial project, in honor of his wife, who had passed away only a few months earlier. The park took a dramatic turn a few months later when a local philanthropist donated the funds for a stunning waterfall. These donations were incredibly generous, and form the cornerstone projects in the park.
Donations from individuals who wish to honor or memorialize their loved ones will take many forms - Trees, benches, and pavers may be dedicated in the name of a loved one, or to mark a special occasion or to say Thank You to someone There are no restrictions on the “why” of a donation. Costs are as follows:
Benches - $1,500.00
Backless Benches - $1,000.00
Trees - $ 500.00
Shrubs and Small Trees $250.00
Pavers - $100.00
How will my donation be used?
Approximately 50% of each donation is set aside for maintenance and the long-term care and upkeep of the park. This long range economic planning will assure that the park will endure as a lasting part of our Texas heritage and our community. Careful attention to detail and architectural controls assure a design that will provide generations of beauty and tranquility, while honoring and memorializing our heroes and loved ones.
What else can I do to help?
SPREAD THE WORD!
Tell everyone you know about this special place!
Who should I contact for more information?
Kris Nordstrom McBride is the Park Committee Chair.
She can be reached via email at KRISRCLC@aol.com, or by phone at 936 228-5111, VM #3
Photos and progress reports may be viewed at
www.lakeconroerotary.org
“Library Park Project” and “Photo Album”
All donations for Memory Park should be made payable to
The Rotary Club of Lake Conroe Foundation
P O BOX 1252
MONTGOMERY, TX 77356
A 501(C) 3 Charitable Organization
The Park Committee meets at The Memory Park site the first Thursday of each month at 8:45 A.M.
The intent is to chart our course on a monthly basis, meet citizens who have questions or want to participate. The nature of the project will allow us to work concurrently on multiple projects scattered around the park, with several groups working at once, as long as we are all on the same page.
This is YOUR official invitation to join us!
Come, walk the site with us and see first hand the progress we are making
Memory Park Projects to Date
As of The Summer of 2008
Park Land
Donated to the county by
Philip and Holly LeFevre and their Family
The Shane Carter Rose Garden
– Donated by Don Carter –
Completed
The Waterfall
The Hidden Treasure of Memory Park, tucked behind the east side of The Library, not seen until you are almost upon it!
The Dr Charles Johnson Arbor
Donated by Shepard’s for The Savior
Rainwater Harvesting Project
Study donated by Texas A&M Students
Rodrigo Guadarrama, Blake Howard and Fernando Valadez
Implemented by Jim Bunchse,
Mr. Drip Irrigation/Homestead Services
Rainwater Conservation Grants
Rainwater Harvesting Tank
Grant from The Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District
Installed by Jim Bunchse, Mr. Drip Irrigation
Rainwater Gardens
Rotary District 5910 Grant
Gardens
Butterfly Garden
Donated by The National Charity League, Montgomery
Planting to begin the fall of 2008
Wildscape Garden
Future Project
Educational Signs
Signs for Phase I
Funded by a Grant from Entergy
BRAILLE
Funded by a Grant from The Conroe Noon Lions Club and The Montgomery Lions Club
The Doris Childress Smith Reading Area
Donated by Mrs. Smith’s family in memory of her and to honor her love for the library
The Don Carter Bridge
Donated by Tommy and Mary Anne Metcalf to honor Don Carter’s dedication to Memory Park
Built by Eagle Scout Chris Ammons with his family and friends
In addition to the above, The Rotary Club of Lake Conroe wishes to
Thank and Recognize
The following individuals and businesses that have given of their time, talent and treasure to make the park what it is.
We are forever in their debt:
FUNDRAISING:
“The Concert For The Park”
January 2007
Hosted By:
The Ark Family Church
Performers:
Matteo Galli, organ
Francesco Attesti, piano
Flute Ensemble, from The Conroe Symphony Orchestra
Kim Bellini Stephanie Harris
Suzanne Pearce Jody Westerhold
Brabham Middle School Choir
Under the Direction of Paulette Wells
The Montgomery High School Choir
Under the Direction of Heather Orr
Accompanied by Mrs. Lou Leonard
Master of Ceremony, Wayne Hickman
Underwriters, Contributors and Volunteers:
Don Carter Judy Campbell
Bernhardt Winery
The Italian Grill
The Conroe Symphony
The Montgomery County Performing Arts Society
The National Charity League
The Montgomery HS Interact Club
Harvey Stanley, Piano Tuner
Church Organs of Houston
Forshey Piano Company
Rick Adams, Walden Yacht Club
The Charles B Stewart Library
Gary and Lorrie Parker
Malcolm Pepper, Four Flags Productions
Edward Jones and Company
Gary and Janet Milleson
Marsha Cashdollar
Edwin, Leesa and Ed Hoff
The Conroe Art League
Peggy Miller
Jackie Barker
The Courier
And All who purchased tickets
PARK CONSTRUCTION:
Montgomery County officials, especially
County Commissioner Mike Meador
Corliss O'Shaughnessy, MC Parks Director
Carter & Burgess
Engineering and Design Assistance
Shirley and Sons Bulkheading
Bulkheading Services