PITT MEADOWS, BC – The City of Pitt Meadows has purchased the Rose Grabenhorst estate property located at 13895 Harris Road for a future public garden and park space. The Grabenhorst property contains five acres of well-developed garden space and is located north of Lougheed Highway within the Agricultural Land Reserve.
“Council is honoured to have this opportunity to commemorate long-time resident Rose Grabenhorst and her beautiful property and garden she stewarded for 45 years,” says Mayor Bill Dingwall. “This is definitely a Pitt Meadows Proud™ moment for Council. It’s not often the City has the chance to acquire new park land for our community, and we are excited about the potential of this natural space.”
The Grabenhorst property was used as a horse pasture in the 1970’s, and was converted to a Christmas tree farm in the 1980’s. Since 1990, Rose Grabenhorst planted over 700 rhododendrons and transformed the land into a woodland garden with natural walking trails. Today, the garden features close to 800 rhododendrons, unusual plants, and over 100 species of mature trees.
The City’s vision for the park includes expanding the natural surface trails and gardens, providing nature and environmental education programming, and exploring opportunities for a future Place of Remembrance.
“The Grabenhorst property is an excellent addition to the City’s outdoor park space for our community,” says Chief Administrative Officer Mark Roberts. “It aligns closely with many aspects of the City’s recently completed Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan.”
Rose Grabenhorst was an avid gardener, environmentalist, member of the Pitt Polder Society and an active community member. Rose’s passion for gardening is evident in the thoughtful design and care of her property.
“Our family is so happy that our mother’s legacy will live on in Pitt Meadows,” says Rose’s daughters Diana, Tina and Monica. “We hope the community will spend time in her garden and appreciate the hard work and passion that created this special place.”
The City will be making plans for park renovations and improvements as part of 2023 business planning with the goal of opening the Rose Grabenhorst Garden to the public.
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For more information please contact:
Carolyn Baldridge,
Manager of Communications & Community Engagement
City of Pitt Meadows
cbaldridge@pittmeadows.ca