Leanne Nicholson, Terri Bell, and Pat Daignault spent the afternoon at Dyment Recreation Hall Park in Melgund Township, Northwestern Ontario, taking part in a hands-on community effort to strengthen local recreation space through garden development and tree planting.
Dyment Recreation Hall Park becomes a focal point for outdoor activity, memory, and community connection
Dyment Recreation Hall Park in Melgund Township, Northwestern Ontario saw hands-on community work this week as residents built planters and planted apple trees as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen and revitalize the local recreation space. The initiative supports placemaking, outdoor recreation, and active living through practical improvements to the community garden and park area.
The first apple trees of the season were planted from a larger batch donated by the Art Borups Corners Society and their land lab program, supporting the growth of the community garden and surrounding park space. These plantings mark the beginning of a long-term effort to enhance Dyment Park as a gathering place for residents of Dyment, Borups Corners, and surrounding areas, while supporting recreation and environmental stewardship.
This initiative is supported through collaboration with Melgund Recreation, Arts and Culture and the Local Services Board of Melgund, alongside the Art Borups Corners Society. Together, these partners are strengthening community-led recreation, outdoor programming, and shared public space development across the township.
A key moment was the planting of the first apple tree in remembrance of the late Dr. Leah Nicholson, PhD, a strong advocate for community engagement, outdoor recreation, and local capacity building. The memorial planting reflects Dyment Recreation Hall Park’s role as a physical space for healthy outdoor activity.
As additional trees are added and the garden continues to develop, Dyment Recreation Hall Park is emerging as a local hub for recreation, learning, and environmental connection. The project reflects a broader commitment to strengthening rural community spaces through hands-on placemaking that supports both current activity and long-term resilience.
Special thanks to the Local Services Board of Melgund for supporting these community-led recreation and placemaking activities.
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