School Remembrance Projects

Kenaston Village - Centennial Park

During a town council meeting in Kenaston Village, Saskatchewan the decision was made to turn a neglected town park into a point of pride in the community. Many members of the community pitched in to restore the park’s prestige. Since it was the year of the Veteran when this work was completed and the Veteran Cenotaph was already situated in the park, the park was named and dedicated the “Veteran’s Centennial Park.”

KENASTON NEWS - June 25th/05
by M.L. Whittles
Centennial Park
With an Eye to the Future

We can often become complacent and accepting of how things are or how things look. From an abandoned building that has sat empty for so many years that it has become dilapidated to the point that it is not only an eyesore but could also prove dangerous; to a park in the middle of town that has been neglected and used only for snow piling during the winter months for many years. We are so used to seeing them, that we don't really notice them anymore. However, a new comer to the community or someone just passing through sees these things through new eyes and may form an opinion of us that we do not really wish to know. A community that looks after the assets that surround it, is more likely to remain viable than the community that does not.

It began a year ago when around the Kenaston Village Council table it was first voiced, "Let's do something with the park." Encouraged by the favorable response received from the residents when the park trees were adorned with Christmas lights for the holiday season it was decided to take the next big leap.

Dan O'Handley, Mayor of Kenaston, advised that the Village of Kenaston has officially taken the park, located in the centre of the village, under its wing with the intention of making it a point of pride in the community. As this was the Year of the Veteran and the Veterans Cenotaph is situated in the park, it was decided to name and dedicate the park the ‘Veteran's Centennial Park'.

Under the leadership of Dee Guy, representing the Beautification Committee of the Kenaston & District Chamber of Commerce, the park began to take shape. The Enns family pruned and hauled away trees, hours were spent cutting grass and getting the flower beds worked up. Karinn Lewis, Jacob Zdunich and Nick Zdunich raked, trimmed grass on the sidewalks and loaded trucks with debris. Rick Whittles and Glen Pavelich donated and planted perennials while Joni Zdunich, Joanne Hoffmann, Linda Boehmer, Dee Guy and Dan O'Handley set out bedding plants. Joe Stacowich, Town Engineer, always had the truck ready, hauling trees and debris out and bringing dirt in to fill in holes. Kyla and Bryan Dilling painted the park benches and tables. Village Administrator, Mark Zdunich, and his Assistant, Carman Fowler were kept busy handling those little things that pop up unexpectedly on a project this large.

June 22 saw the community gather for the unveiling of the new redwood sign depicting a field of poppies that has become the universal symbol of remembrance. Special guests representing our veterans included Ray Breadner, Glen Hamre and Anton Tisnic. Greg Brkich, MLA and Toni Chasmer, representing Lynne Yelich, MP were in attendance delivering their congratulations to the community of Kenaston.

A community picnic followed, hosted by the Village of Kenaston and sponsored by the Kenaston Lion's Club, Kenaston & District Co-op, Kenaston Credit Union, Al Hoffmann Insurance, TLC Trucking, Heather's Korner and Zdunich Hail Insurance.