PITT MEADOWS, B.C. -  The City of Pitt Meadows is proud to announce the grand opening of Grabenhorst Garden, a five-acre public garden located at 13895 Harris Road. The celebration will take place over the weekend of Friday, July 18 to Sunday, July 20, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Admission is free and open to all. City staff will be on-site to welcome visitors and share insights into the garden’s history, design and natural features.

“This garden is an incredible amenity for our community—a space for reflection, connection and quiet appreciation of nature,” says Mayor Nicole MacDonald. “It stands as a testament to the vision and care of Rose Grabenhorst, who devoted so many years to cultivating this land. We are honoured to preserve her legacy and open this unique garden for all to enjoy.”

Grabenhorst Garden is a tranquil, natural space featuring ornamental woodland plantings, stormwater ponds, a community orchard, edible gardens and meandering walking trails. At its heart is a designated Place of Remembrance, complete with benches, a water feature, and the option to purchase memorial and celebration plaques, offering a peaceful setting to reflect and think of loved ones.

The transformation of the property began decades ago under the thoughtful care of longtime Pitt Meadows resident and environmental advocate Rose Grabenhorst. Over the years, she planted and cared for more than 700 rhododendrons, carved out winding trails, and created quiet corners for visitors to pause and reflect. Rose’s dream was to one day share this space with the community, in the city she called home. After her passing in 2020, the City worked closely with her family to bring that vision to life. Today, Grabenhorst Garden stands as a living tribute to her imagination, care and enduring spirit.

“This project brought together the vision of a passionate resident, the hard work of our Parks, Recreation and Culture team, and the support of partners like Green Teams Canada and the Vancouver Master Gardeners,” says Chief Administrative Officer Mark Roberts. “Thanks to funding from the Government of Canada’s Local Food Infrastructure Fund and other community partnerships, we have been able to create something special—the first public garden of its kind in Pitt Meadows.”

Grabenhorst Garden includes wheelchair-accessible gravel pathways. On-site parking is limited, and to protect the natural ecosystem, pets are not permitted.

The garden also offers a variety of community programs and opportunities:

• Place of Remembrance – Purchase a plaque to honour a loved one
• Adopt-a-Tree Program – Dedicate a mature tree in memory or celebration
• Parks Donation Program – Contribute amenities that enhance the garden
• Registered Arts and Wellness Programs – Explore seasonal offerings listed in the Parks, Recreation and Culture Program Guide
• Volunteer Opportunities – Support the garden’s care and programming at pittmeadows.ca/volunteer

A private welcome and opening ceremony was held the morning of Thursday, July 17 with members of Rose Grabenhorst’s family, Pitt Meadows Mayor and Council, City staff and other community members, to honour Rose’s legacy and preview the completed garden ahead of the public opening (beginning Friday, July 18).

To learn more about Grabenhorst Garden and view full grand opening details, visit pittmeadows.ca/grabenhorst.

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For more information please contact:
Tia O’Grady
Manager of Communications and Civic Engagement
City of Pitt Meadows

media@pittmeadows.ca