Haldimand County and Friends of LaFortune Park celebrate completion of community mural

On Tuesday, September 22, Haldimand County staff, Members of Council, and Friends of LaFortune Park members gathered to celebrate the completion of a community mural alongside local artists who created this new piece of public art.

The mural was completed with $5,000 in Ward 3 funding from the Ward Specific Funding Program, with remaining costs split 50/50 between the Community Partnership Capital Program funding ($2,455) and the Friends of LaFortune Park ($2,455). The project was intended to beautify the space, cover existing graffiti, illustrate the natural features of the park and allow local artists to contribute to its beauty.

Local artist Gina McIntee took the lead, along with another local artist, Frances Porter. They worked with some young artists as well, by the names of Maisie, Terri, and Kiannah. The mural, located in the Haldimand Road 54 underpass tunnel was completed over the course of several weeks this summer after many weeks of planning.

The hand-painted mural depicts the lush beauty of the LaFortune forest and the Grand River shoreline, including many species of animals and plants that are native to the area. People are shown enjoying many activities, including disc golf, kayaking, and picnicking.

“On behalf of Council, I want to extend my sincere thanks to the Friends of LaFortune Park, Haldimand County staff and talented local artists who brought this beautiful public art installation to life. This project is a great example of what can be achieved when community members come together to celebrate local culture, foster community pride and beautify the natural spaces we all share,” said Haldimand County Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley.

“I’m proud to have supported this project through Ward 3 funding from the Ward Specific Funding Program and so pleased to see it completed. The mural is a fantastic addition to this public space and beautifully reflects the history and natural environment of Caledonia and the Grand River watershed. Thank you to the Friends, volunteers, staff and local artists for creating this vibrant public feature that will be enjoyed by many for years to come,” stated Haldimand County Ward 3 Councillor Dan Lawrence.

“Many thanks to the Friends for spearheading this project, as well as their insight and passion for the park. The community was amazing with input & suggestions for the nature and wildlife depicted. If you haven’t been to the park, it is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon in nature or enjoy a game of disc golf. Many thanks to fellow artists Franny Porter, Kiannah, and Maisie for your talents and partnering up to paint together,” said local artist Gina McIntee.

“This project is the result of a team effort and shows how volunteer groups, artists and local government can come together to accomplish great things when we cooperate together,” added Allyson Tournay, Friends of LaFortune Vice Chair and Project Lead.

About the Community Partnership Capital Grant Program
Haldimand’s Capital Projects Program (CPP) is a grant program that aims to maximize the relationships between community not-for-profit organizations and Haldimand to leverage volunteer resources and create strategic, community-initiated infrastructure.

About the Friends of LaFortune Park
The Friends of LaFortune Park were formed in 2015 as a community organization whose sole object was to preserve LaFortune Park as a natural public space for generations to enjoy. Today, they are a key partner in Haldimand County’s Fields and Parks Management Program, and care for specific areas of the park, including mowing and trimming several trails.