Memory gardens set for 'show and tell'
(Photo courtesy BOB STUTZ) This bridge at the Priest Lake Memory Gardens was constructed in memory of Zachery Stutz by his parents Bob and Barb Stutz. Living memories like this bridge are featured at the garden near the golf course just off Highway 57 at Priest Lake.
A public “show and tell” event of Priest Lake Memory Gardens is being held Sunday, Aug. 25, to showcase the gardens.
The gardens are located adjacent to the Priest Lake Golf Course just off Highway 57. The five-acre site is a special place of serenity and reflection to spend time remembering and honoring loved ones with ties to the Priest Lake area, officials said.
Hours for this event in an open house format are 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Visitors will learn about future plans for the Memory Gardens, take a guided tour of the area, see a new video presentation and be able to provide feedback to the organization’s board of directors. Golf carts will be available for those with mobility issues.
“We call it a ‘show and tell’ event because there are those who still don’t know about the Priest Lake Memory Gardens,” board president Brian Miller said. “We look forward to seeing those new visitors and our old friends as well.”
The welcome shelter will be open for everyone to see where memorial events can be held to honor and remember those who have died. The new propane fire pit will be on display, along with the new water feature at the reflecting pond.
Visitors will see 45 screens spread along picturesque pathways with 357 metal fish plaques honoring loved ones. Several benches also are placed throughout the gardens. Donors have funded a dock now installed on the reflecting pond with the new water feature.
“Many thanks to all the people who have used the Priest Lake Memory Gardens as a means to remember and honor their loved ones,” board vice president Craig Hill said. “We sincerely appreciate all who have donated to make the Memory Gardens what it is today.”
Miller said donations have come from broad-based community support ranging from cash, labor, in-kind giving and products. In all, nearly 650 people have provided gifts to ensure the success and growth of the Priest Lake Memory Gardens.
Features such as memorial fish plaques, alcoves, benches, family screens, trail sections and family memorials are now available for purchase.
Further information about Priest Lake Memory Gardens can be found on the website www.priestlakememorygardens.com or by calling Executive Director Ron Hardin at 509-993-7143.
“Our board is extremely thankful to all those who have donated time and money to support his project,” Miller said. “We look forward to the continued support of the community.”