A special tapestry will be on exhibit at the Maple Ridge Museum in honour of the 50th anniversary of the Maple Ridge Community Foundation.
Crafted in the 1980’s by the Ladies Auxiliary of the Community Foundation, the tapestry depicts Reiboldt Park, a property gifted to the people of Maple Ridge by Alfred Reiboldt, which directly led to the formation of the community foundation.
Reiboldt, who moved to Maple Ridge and then to Haney in 1960, purchased a five acre property on Tamarack Lane which he transformed into a forestry and wildlife preserve.
Following his death in 1975, he left it to the municipality, and in 1976, the Maple Ridge Community Foundation was formed with a mandate to develop the property into a park.
Formed by a group of local people, the foundation’s members included: Dr. Bob Rhodes, a physician and horticulture enthusiast; and George Grieve, a director of the Park and Recreation Commission and a member of municipal council.
The park opened to the public in 1984, and it currently includes an interpretation area with botanical information, a display of antique farm equipment, and a covered picnic area.
Amy Pridday, marketing and design assistant with the foundation noted the park remains an early example of community-led stewardship.
“We are proud that Reiboldt Park serves as our foundation, sparking five impactful decades of giving where we live to continue improving the community for all,” said Pridday.
The project was a collaboration between the Maple Ridge Community Foundation and the Maple Ridge Museum.
Maple Ridge Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday to Sunday, at 22520 116 Ave, Maple Ridge.
For more information call 604-463-5311 or go to: http://mapleridgemuseum.org/.