The Riverview Horticultural Centre Society, together with the City of Coquitlam and the Burke Mountain Naturalists, invite you to celebrate the 19th annual Treefest event this weekend. This free, family festival will be held on Saturday, September 15 from 11:00am – 4:00pm at the Henry Esson Young (H.E.Y.) Building on the Riverview Hospital Grounds [map], and it runs rain or shine. Although I think we can all agree that we prefer shine.
With the future of the Riverview lands still unclear, this is a great chance to come see them up close whether you visit often or it’s your first time. What is your vision for the lands? A mental wellness centre, an education campus or a public arboretum? Something else entirely, or a combination of the above? Heat to Treefest and contemplate what the potential future uses of this beautiful urban green space in Coquitlam could be. There are more than 1900 trees on the Riverview grounds, and this event is an excellent chance to experience them first hand.
The day will feature tree tours guided by arborists, every hour on the hour. There’s even a special tree tour just for kids. Other highlights include a heritage building walk, children’s activities and Blackberry Tea, which will take place in the Serenity Garden for the first time. Musicians and artists will be on site, as well as displays by community groups. Food vendors will be there, too, or feel free to bring a picnic lunch. A new feature this year will be bus tours guided by a retired psychiatric nurse, telling his Riverview stories. The tours will provide opportunities to visit Finnie’s Garden, the SPARC Radio Museum and other parts of the Riverview Lands.
Ride your bike, take a bus or drive – free parking is available on-site. For a site map visit www.rhcs.org. For further information please call 604.290.9910.
