Park, pavilion renamed in memory of Natasha

March 11, 2016 · 0 Comments

Monday night’s Council meeting was an important one for Duncan Paterson.

Following the loss of his beautiful 12-year-old daughter Natasha on August 8 while preparing to participate in the annual Fiddle Parade, Mr. Paterson has advocated for a public memorial to Natasha, who was an active member of the community.

His efforts were realised this week with Council’s decision to name a portion of Hyland Park “Natasha Paterson Memorial Park”, while also approving a pavilion located in the park, which is also to be dedicated to her memory.

“No words can explain how I feel,” said Mr. Paterson following Council’s decision, noting the joy in this small victory. “I wish it didn’t have to be this way.”

Council resolved “the Town of Shelburne collectively suffered an unspeakable loss on August 8, 2015, when twelve-year-old Natasha Paterson lost her life in a tragic accident within Hyland Park while preparing to participate in the annual Fiddle Parade.

“Natasha had a close association with, and regularly participated in, the Fiddle Parade, the Shelburne Fall Fair, and the Girl Guides Program. An aspiring lawyer, Natasha stood for justice, always willing to lend a hand to the underserved and less fortunate, representing her community honourably and admirably as a true ambassador.

“Natasha’s father, Duncan Paterson, has made certain requests of Council to publically memorialize his daughter’s life [and] there has been an outpouring of public support for Mr. Paterson’s requests.

“Whereas Council desires to memorialize Natasha Paterson in a way that is fitting, everlasting and symbolic of the life she lived, now therefore be it resolved that Council approves renaming that portion of Hyland Park identified [in the report] excluding the baseball fields as the ‘Natasha Paterson Memorial Park’ and to erect appropriate signage to identify the name.

“Council also approves the naming of the pavilion located within that park as the ‘Natasha Paterson Pavilion,’ to become effective once the pavilion has been reconstructed and…Council approves a memorial plaque dedicated to Natasha Paterson to be installed within the pavilion once it is reconstructed.”

After passing the resolution, Mayor Ken Bennington took a 10 minute recess where all in attendance congratulated Mr. Paterson for his hard work and determination that helped see his vision become a reality. Council further resolved to consult with the family with respect to the design and location of the memorial plaque and signage.”

Council last discussed the possibility of renaming the park in Natasha’s honour this past January. While sympathetic to Mr. Paterson’s request, they initially had reservations to strike a balance between Mr. Peterson’s request, and a similar – and previously denied – request from another area family who also lost a child.

“[Natasha] died trying to put a smile on others’ faces in the Fiddle Parade as she had for six years,” said Mr. Paterson at the time. “She put her heart into it.”

Following that emotional meeting, Mayor Bennington told the Shelburne Free Press of his own “personal, emotional conflict” after a decision was made not to rename Hyland Park in honour of the late Lisa McKechnie, who died in a swimming pool accident.

“I struggle personally with angst that renaming Hyland Park after Natasha Paterson, although very fitting, and also very appropriate, may somehow offend the McKechnie family who have suffered the same loss,” he said. “After discussion with members of Council, I trust we will find a solution that incorporates honouring these young lives, both wonderful Shelburne girls, in a way that will be appropriate and everlasting.”