“Greening of the Park” project moving ahead

Bill Bowick | Jan 26, 2022

In October 2021, an informal survey was done of the trees in Oso Park (Sharbot Lake Beach). There were approximately 23. “Approximately” because opinions may differ on what’s a tree and what’s a bush. The 23 trees include a half dozen over-mature Manitoba maples and an equal number of ash trees which appear to be infected with the emerald ash borer. This can kill a tree in two to three years. The bottom line is that we may lose half the existing trees in five to ten years. This from a park that already has limited shade due to the recent removal of older trees for safety reasons.

In response to this, Central Frontenac Council approved a proposal to plant a selection of trees in the beach park area next spring. The plan was based on a larger submission which Cheryl Matson prepared for the Downtown Revitalization project. The selection was to include a variety of trees and bushes native to Eastern Ontario and of varying age so there would be a succession to trees as they age and die off. Purchase and planting are to be paid for by public donation in recognition of the contribution made to the community by Villages Beautiful volunteers and the leadership role played by Rosemarie Bowick in the establishment of that organization.

The project, called “Greening of the Park” is underway with the support of Township staff and a steering committee representing key community groups. A total of $3400 has already been donated by individuals with ties to the area. Tracy Jackson of 1010 Lawn and Garden is helping with procurement and at least some of the planting is expected in late April and early May of this year. The committee is already looking at branch out projects such as an education component and designation of a heritage trees.

When we think about a park with a beach, we tend to focus on summer use – swimming and picnicking and trees for shade. But our park is really much more than that. It is at least a three season facility. In fact, many children still want to go to the play structure in the park in mid winter. For quiet meditation, you can’t beat watching the lake from a park bench on a sunny day in October. And it’s always a joy to see the pussy willows come out in the spring. Trees play a part in all of this – from spring renewal, to summer shade to fall colours – and they provide shelter for things like song birds and benign wildlife.

The beach park in Sharbot Lake is a major community asset. It’s not as big or as beautiful as Stewart Park in Perth but it’s more fun. It attracts people by car, by boat and, now, on the trails. It is a reason for people to visit Sharbot Lake. And while visiting the beach, they support the stores and restaurants making it a better community for us all.

People wishing to be part of this may do so by making a donation. The project has been positioned as a citizen gift to the community so donations are tax deductible. The process is to make the donation by cash or cheque directly to Bill Bowick or Alison Robinson. A special bank account has been set up to hold the money and pay expenses. On completion of the project, an accounting will be delivered to the Township and they will issue a charitable tax receipt to all participants. Alison lives at 14212 Road 38 in Sharbot Lake. Bill can be reached by phone at 613 279-3341, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Canada Post at P.O.Box 77, Sharbot Lake.