Construction on the Community Peace Garden at Mapleton Park in Moncton’s north end has not started yet, as organizers face delays.
Darrell Nameth, co-chair of the Community Peace Garden, said wildfire-related park closures and remaining fundraising needs have pushed the timeline back.
“We’re still raising money, and we’re not quite there yet,” Nameth said.
“All the parks are closed for anybody right now. So, we couldn’t even begin construction right now because of the potential of fires.”
The committee has reached about 80 per cent of its $100,000 fundraising goal.
Nameth said they’re continuing to speak with potential donors and hope to begin construction by mid to late September.
The installation is expected to take four to six weeks, with completion targeted for the end of October.
Plans for the garden remain unchanged. It will feature a pergola, benches, quiet seating areas, and ten trees.
Educational signage and a public art installation honouring Indigenous teachings are also included.
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Co-chair Darrell Nameth added that the community feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
“We haven’t had any negative comments,” Nameth said.
“People say this is a great idea. Some can’t afford to donate now, but they still want to support it in some way.”
While the original goal was to open the garden on the International Day of Peace, organizers now plan to mark the occasion with a sod-turning ceremony.
“We will have a celebration when we break ground, and we’ll have the mayor and a few other dignitaries there,” Nameth said.
The City of Moncton has committed funding and will take on maintenance of the garden once completed. It’s also handling donation processing and issuing tax receipts.
Once finished, the Community Peace Garden will offer a quiet space for reflection and connection in Mapleton Park.
Organizers hope it will become a lasting symbol of peace, inclusion, and community spirit.
