Established in 1907, Minoru Park has been described as the “green heart of Richmond’s City Centre.” Given its designation as a multi-purpose space – with a more traditional “leisure side” and an “active side” – I’d say its description as a “green heart” for Richmond is quite apt. On the one hand, you have the lovely Minoru lakes; paved and gravel walking paths; beautiful gardens and historic Minoru Chapel. On the other hand, you have the Clement Track; basketball court, multiple tennis courts, baseball diamond, 2 bowling greens and a cricket pitch; and, Minoru Arenas, Cultural Centre and Aquatic Centre. In short, one could easily argue that Minoru Park is a park for all seasons.
Curiously, despite Minoru’s status as a major park in the Greater Vancouver Area, this was my first time actively exploring part of it. My partner and I decided to visit Minoru because, well, we were pulled in by the promise of delightful cherry blossoms – and we weren’t disappointed. There were some pretty epic blooms to be had near the Clement Track. As we photographed the delicate pink blossoms, I couldn’t help but notice this interesting sculpture off in the distance – David Harder’s “Together.” And, given my enjoyment of public art, you just know I had to go in for a closer look; so, I took the “scenic route” and walked the track until coming upon the sculpture. When you get up close to “Together,” you witness its true beauty: Made up of over 300 silhouettes of citizens FROM Richmond + the local ecology, the piece takes a unique look at concepts of “community” and “togetherness.” In a very real sense, “Together” is a physical representation of this time and this place – and that makes it epic.
While our time at Minoru Park was relatively short, we enjoyed it. The cherry blossoms were a joy, and seeing people out and about reminded us that maybe – just maybe – a version of normalcy isn’t too far away.