Garden of reflection nears completion

WASILLA -- The Garden of Reflection took an important step toward completion Thursday, as volunteers and city workers constructed a large wooden trellis in the middle of the garden.

The trellis is surrounded by a waterfall and flowing stream, creating a quiet place in Wasilla's Iditapark where people can stop and remember loved ones who have passed away.

The garden was inspired four years ago by two Wasilla mothers who lost their sons. Kelly Marre's son, Logan, died at age 11 in 1998, two years after being diagnosed with lymphocytic leukemia. Wendy Hale lost her son, Chris, from an undiagnosed heart condition at the age of 21.

Both mothers wanted a public place set aside in the park where people could come together to reflect.

"This is a positive community thing for me to focus on," Hale said. "It is a place to meet others who are in the same boat."

Wasilla Mayor Dianne Keller was on hand Thursday to watch the construction of the trellis. Keller said she had a daughter who was stillborn and that she wanted to support the garden.

"I want to have a place for peace and quiet for reflection," Keller said. "Everyone can relate to this part of our park."

A monument will be installed in the garden when it is officially dedicated in September.

Contact Joel Davidson at joel.davidson@frontiersman.com.