The volunteer group of private citizens who support and use Pippy Park for children’s gardening projects, public clean-ups, outdoor festivals and more, is celebrating 25 years of environmental stewardship this week.

The Friends of Pippy Park gathered at the Admiral’s Green Golf Clubhouse on Wednesday, Nov. 25 for a luncheon comprised of its members and several park partners.

As a longstanding supporter and sponsor of the Friends of Pippy Park, representatives of Memorial were in attendance. The university is one of three institutions who comprise the Pippy Park Commission; the others being the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the City of St. John’s.

“Memorial enjoys a close relationship with Pippy Park,” said the Division of Marketing and Communications associate director Ivan Muzychka. “In addition to being actually in the park itself, the St. John’s campus is adjacent to some of the most beautiful park features including Long Pond, the Fluvarium, Memorial’s Botanical Garden and the network of trails that wind their way through the park. The university is pleased to continue its support by sponsoring this event.”

During the luncheon event, a plaque honouring the late Doug Eaton, former vice-president of Student Affairs and the Friends’ founding president, was unveiled. In addition to regular partnerships between Pippy Park and Memorial University such as I Love MUNdays events and experiential learning initiatives, there are numerous individual connections between the two.

In addition to current faculty connections – Dr. Steve Bruneau of the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science was one of the park’s earliest student employees – the late Dr. Moses Morgan was the Friends’ honorary president, and the late Ward Neal of the Department of Geology initiated the concept of the Friends of Pippy Park and served on the board of directors for several years.

 The good work of The Friends of Pippy Park also includes the sponsoring of work and research projects, serving on advisory committees, promoting the park through various public programs, organizing lectures and distributing information regarding the many benefits of Pippy Park.