Our Third Capital Project – Building a Celebration Park in Pelham
The Pelham Council on Aging proudly announces the completion of our third capital project – the magnificent Celebration Park. This transformative addition, nestled on the grounds of the Community Center, turns unused space into a vibrant oasis for Pelham residents of all ages.
A Haven Inspired by Resilience:
Crafted in response to the challenges posed by the COVID pandemic, Celebration Park is more than just greenery. It’s a haven featuring trees, ornamental flowering shrubs, perennial gardens, accessible pathways, cozy benches, and charming birdhouses. The park symbolizes our commitment to ensuring that every Pelham resident has access to rejuvenating outdoor spaces.
An Accessible Oasis for All Ages:
This wheelchair-accessible, age-friendly park, strategically located next to the Community Center, provides a welcoming outdoor haven for older adults. With amenities like accessible bathrooms, shaded areas for relaxation, and a perfect spot for picnics, the Celebration Park enhances the quality of life for our community’s older adults.
Connecting the Community:
Public spaces, such as parks and community centers, play a pivotal role in fostering a sense of community and social belonging. These spaces are for everyone, regardless of age, income, or background. Research shows that parks improve mental and physical health while enhancing the overall environmental quality of a community.
A Vision Brought to Life:
To bring this vision to fruition, the COA embarked on a meticulous plan. The area was irrigated, loamed, fertilized, and seeded. Pathways were expertly excavated and filled with hard pack. Thirty trees and flowering ornamental shrubs were carefully planted, complemented by the creation of perennial garden beds. Bluebird houses, bird baths, benches, and two informational kiosks have been thoughtfully installed, providing a wealth of information about the park and even Pelham’s favorite pastime – Pickleball.
Memorialize a Moment:
Want to commemorate someone special in your life right here in Pelham? Now you can by purchasing a tree or ornamental shrub to be planted as a memorial in Celebration Park. An engraved sign featuring your words will grace the base of your plant, and details about your heartfelt donation will be showcased in a dedicated kiosk.
- Naming Rights for a Tree – $1,500 each.
- Naming Rights for an Ornamental Flowering Shrub – $500 each.
While tree/shrub selection depends on suitability, location, and availability, your donation covers the purchase, planting, and signage. After receiving your memorial contribution, a private meeting will be arranged to discuss plant selection, signage specifics, and potential replacements. For inquiries or to make a meaningful contribution, contact Yvonne La-Garde at ylg52@comcast.net.
Celebration Park Legacy Information as of December, 2023
| Name | Tree/Shrub | Dedicated Signage Placed By Tree/Shrub |
| Arrow Container Services, LLC | Limelight Hydrangea | Donated by Arrow Container Services, LLC Pelham, NH |
| Carol Theoharous | Limelight Hydrangea | In Celebration of Family. Gene and Carol Theoharous, Dianne and Robert Nitzschke |
| Connie Lanseigne-Case | Magnolia Pink | Case’s Scraggly Acres. Dow L. Case, Constance Lanseigne-Case, Ed.D November 31, 1969 |
| Denise Cardello Yvette La-Garde Hazel La-Garde | Purple Lilac | In Memory of Ivan La-Garde. Like lilac, his roots began in England, but were firmly planted in New England. |
| Edmund Gleason | Colorado Blue Spruce | In Loving Memory of Mary Gleason 1940-2017. Your husband, Ed daughters Terri, Kathy |
| Elaine Screnci | Flowering Cherry Kwanza | Forever in our Thoughts. Eva & Dick Bedard Love, Elaine, David, DJ & Johnny Screnci |
| Glennie Edwards | Mugo Pine | In Loving Memory of Thelma Boutwell, First President of both Pelham Senior Center & Athletic Association. She devoted herself to the betterment of her community. |
| Hazel La-Garde | Colorado Blue Spruce | Dedicated to Yvonne La-Garde. For introducing this Celebration Park. Enabling everyone of all ages To have a place to walk, relax and enjoy nature. |
| Heike Petermann Hazel La-Garde Denise Cardello Yvette La-Garde | Japanese Maple | In Loving memory of Maurice La-Garde 1956-2022. We Miss You! |
| John H. Hargreaves Memorial Post 10722 & Auxiliary | Viburnum | Dedicated to all Veterans and their loved ones. VFW and AUXILIARY POST 10722 |
| Joyce McDevitt | Colorado Blue Spruce | Celebrating the “Family Tree” ofJoyce & Bill McDevitt |
| Judy Woodbury | Pinky Winky Hydrangea | In loving memory of my husband, John W. Woodbury Love, Judy Woodbury |
| June & Phil Burrows | October Glory Maple | In Loving Memory of Eva Bedard 2/14/39-3/24/23. FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS |
| Keith & Barbara Burrows | White Rhododendron | Signage & plant not ordered yet. |
| Kristin Hunt | Magnolia Pink | Helen & Bill Rogers. Your beautiful legacy of kindness and generosity will be remembered and in the hearts of everyone you loved. |
| Lance Ouellette, A Handy Company, LLC | Lace Japanese Maple | The Ouellette Family.In memory of Rita E. Ouellette |
| Lance Ouellette, A Handy Company, LLC | Lace Japanese Maple | Walter Kosik Jr. FamilyDedicationIn the memories ofWalter Sr., PatriciaLori & Joey |
| Linda R. Steck | Japanese Lilac Ivory Silk | Dedicated to our furry kitty friends who give us companionship, love, endless joy, hairballs, and shredded furniture. We love you. Linda Steck |
| Louis Schmidt | Flowering Cherry Kwanza | Raymond J. Schmidt, DMD. In Remembrance of All the Happy Times We Spent Together. |
| Mary Sanford & Robert Yarmo | Colorado Blue Spruce | Love is the absence of judgment. Mary Sanford & Rob Yarmo |
| Mrs. Robert Iby | Green Mountain Boxwood | Second Lieutenant Robert C. Iby, United States Airforce. To the world you are a father, But to your wife, Jeanette and your family, You are the world. |
| Paul R. Gagnon | Colorado Blue Spruce | The only thing stronger than our love for nature is our love for each other. Dedicated by Yvonne La-Garde & Paul Gagnon |
| Pelham Community Spirit, Inc. | White Lilac & Summer Sweet | In Celebration of The People of Pelham, NH-Past, Present and Future-Who Make This Town a Special Place to Live. Pelham Community Spirit, est. 2000 |
| Pine Valley Golf Course | Hydrangea | Sponsored by Pine Valley Golf Course. Pelham, NH |
| Raymond T. Wilkins | Pinky Winky Hydrangea | In Loving Memory of Dorothea Ready Wilkins, 1938-2013. We Miss You! |
| Roberta J. Bedard | Japanese Maple | In memory of Doug Bedard. Love from Mom |
| Roger & Roberta Levasseur | Colorado Blue Spruce | THE LEVASSEUR FAMILY. ROGER & ROBERTA, KERRI, JUSTIN, KURT |
| Russ & Joanne L. Soucy | Roses of Sharon | In Loving Memory of our Parents, Stanley and Pauline Sutphen, Roland and Lorraine Soucy |
| The Harris Familyc/o Faith Harris Shaw | Flowering Kousa Dogwood | In memory of George and Betsy Harris |
| Young at Heart Life Group c/o Connie Haibowicz | Sara Mountain Laurel | THIS SHRUB ISDONATED BYCROSSROADS CHURCHYOUNG AT HEART LIFE GROUPEzra 7:10 |
For Additional Information or Questions, contact Yvonne La-Garde at ylg52@comcast.net.
Welcome to the Pelham Bluebird Sanctuary!
As urban development continues to encroach on our natural landscapes, creating safe havens for local wildlife becomes increasingly important. The Pelham Bluebird Society is a dedicated group of individuals working to provide food, forage, and shelter for our feathered friends, particularly the Eastern Bluebird population in Pelham.
What we do: We install and maintain nesting boxes for Eastern Bluebirds at the Merriam Farm Conservation Area. 🌿 Recently, we expanded our efforts to the Celebration Park, a joint venture with the Pelham Council on Aging (COA).
Why nesting boxes matter: Eastern Bluebirds rely on tree cavities for nesting. Sadly, many of these natural cavities have disappeared due to the removal of old and rotting trees from landscaped areas.
Why Bluebirds matter: Eastern Bluebirds are insectivores, helping to control local insect populations. They also enjoy wild fruit and berries, contributing to the local ecosystem.
Celebrate at the Celebration Park: Visit the Celebration Park to observe these beautiful birds in action. The park provides an ideal feeding ground for Eastern Bluebirds, offering a delightful opportunity to connect with nature.
By supporting the Pelham Bluebird Society and the Pelham Council on Aging, you’re helping us preserve our local wildlife and create a thriving coexistence between humans and our feathered friends.
Thank you for being a part of this exciting conservation effort!