Town moving forward with new signage for Natasha Paterson Memorial Park

July 22, 2016 · 1 Comments

By Michelle Janzen

Eleven months after the tragic accident at the staging area of the Fiddleville parade, the newly named park will soon finally see the new signage promised to the parents of Natasha Paterson.

On August 8, 2015, twelve-year-old Natasha Paterson succumbed to her injuries after her beloved horse, Toby, reared up and both she and the horse fell. Subsequently, her father, Duncan Paterson, advocated for a public memorial to remember his only child so that she will never be forgotten.

On March 7, Mr. Paterson’s efforts were realised when Council decided to name a portion of Hyland Park “Natasha Paterson Memorial Park”, while also approving a pavilion located in the park, which iwill also be dedicated to her memory.

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Council originally thought it would be best to wait until after construction of the pavilion so as not to interfere and possibly face erecting the new signage twice.

After many correspondences with Council, Mr. Paterson put pressure on local lawmakers to come to a decision before the anniversary of his daughter’s death.

Consequently, a site meeting at the newly minted Natasha Paterson Memorial Park, with Mr. Paterson, Mayor Ken Bennington, Councillor Walter Bennoto and CEO John Telfer, was arranged to determine exactly where to place the new signage.

“The location that Mr. Paterson is requesting is near the playground equipment located on Gordon Street, which will not interrupt with construction and I feel it is safe for us to proceed at this time,” said Mayor Bennington at the July 11 Council meeting.

Several quotes with mock up drawings were submitted to council for consideration and with quotes coming in at $4,022.80, $7,229 and $9,638.21, it was discussed and decided that the Town of Shelburne will split the cost up to a total of $3,614.00, which is half of the median quote.

After the decision, Mr. Paterson secured the rock he and his wife have chosen to be the sign. When speaking to Mr. Paterson, he tells the Shelburne Free Press “We choose this rock as we feel that it is very natural looking and will look as if it has always been a part of the park.”

The Town also is requesting to facilitate the placing of the stone as well as to have approval on the final design.