Clyde River

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After weather prevented Saturday’s clean-up, Monday was a great day to get the park ready for summer fun. Clyde River residents joined together and worked hard and, by midafternoon, the park looked beautiful.

The North River 4-H group was a great help, and they planted trees to replace those that fell or were knocked down. Leaves were raked and spread with newspapers to act as mulch. A wood chipper was rented to mulch the branches and twigs as well. When raked, the flower beds looked healthy and beautiful red tulips and daffodils added beauty.

Many of the family names found in the early Clyde River history were represented at this year’s clean-up like – Dixon, Gillespie, MacQuarrie, MacLean, MacPhee, MacPhail, Young as well as newer names like Colodey, Brine, Bryant and Fitzgerald and Wood. In fact, Carolyn (MacQuarrie) Wood and her four daughters worked hard until the last minute. The Ross family also had five hard workers. Shirley Farrar and Tom Stewart came from close by communities to help out.

Women’s Institute members and others provided food for the group and the atmosphere during breaks made one feel proud to live in Clyde River. In fact, reconnecting with neighbours is an important spin-off from this clean up day. When the story boards were put back up, there’s a reminder of the history of the property. When the birdhouses and especially the replicas of the churches were put in place, the strong connection with Burnside Church is evident. For those who have been there each year, seeing the growth in the shrubs and perennials is rewarding.

As we left, a mother and her two preschool children came to enjoy the park. This Mom had great praise for this little park saying they visited frequently last year and were glad to return. She said Clyde River must be pleased to have such a nice park and she was impressed that the community takes such good care of it.