Families of Brentwood massacre victims launch legacy project at South Glenmore Park
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In the grassy, tree-filled, scenic spaces of South Glenmore Park — the parents of five young people taken too early are building a legacy in their memory through a unique garden with five permanent chairs in their children’s names.
Almost five years ago, Calgary was shaken by the sudden loss of Zackariah Rathwell, 21, Lawrence Hong, 27, Joshua Hunter, 23, Kaitlin Perras, 23, and Jordan Segura, 22 — all violently stabbed to death at a house party in Brentwood in 2014 while celebrating the end of university classes.
A judge ruled that their attacker, Matthew de Grood, was suffering from schizophrenia and didn’t know his actions were wrong. He was found not criminally responsible and remains under psychiatric care, including medication that has kept his symptoms in “full remission” since 2014.
But family and friends are working to push away the darkness of that horrible memory and find light in their project — the Quinterra Legacy Garden, which will house interactive musical and play elements along with a 30-foot diameter stage for programming, such as music, theatre and healing circles.
The Quinterra Legacy Garden Group — a community of family and friends of the five Brentwood victims — is partnering with the City of Calgary Parks Department, Parks Foundation Calgary, Bassett Associates Landscape Architecture and the Prophets of Music.
Outdoor-friendly instruments will include metal xylophones, drums and chimes around a concrete performance stage with a painted star, chosen for its five points commemorating the five youths.
There will be climbing areas, play areas and seating for the public. Five flowering trees will be planted, and five metal chairs will be permanently installed facing the Glenmore Reservoir with plaques bearing the names of each victim.
“We wanted sections of the space to be quiet and contemplative. But there are other areas that encourage activity, creativity, that I think everyone can enjoy,” said Valerie Bassett, the architect who helped design the garden.
Parents said the legacy garden project has been a labour of love, a positive therapy in dealing with their terrible grief.
“This will be such a special place, where we can come and sit and remember our kids,” said Ronda-Lee Rathwell, Zack’s mom. “But it will also be a place where all Calgarians can come and just enjoy nature, or play the instruments and just appreciate a dedicated space that includes everyone.”
As a musician and artist, Zack was especially connected to nature and the arts, she said, obsessed with making murals as a boy of five and later learning to play the guitar when he was 12.
Zack was a first-year student at the Alberta College of Art and Design. His band, Zackariah and the Prophets, held an album release party the weekend before the tragedy.
“It’s been almost five years now, and healing is still a journey for us,” added Rathwell. “Losing a child is huge, it’s a different kind of loss. But a place like this, working on this project, it brings light into some of that darkness.”
After raising just over $70,000, the group’s goal is to raise $750,000 for an August grand opening.
The group hopes the garden will foster a sense of play, inspiration and positive well-being for everyone who visits.
“The Quinterra Legacy Garden is full of unity and love. It cultivates community in an area that embodies a positive, energetic spirit,” says Barclay Hunter, father of Josh. “It is our way of thanking Calgarians for their incredible support during the last five years and for reminding us that there is light beyond tragedy and loss.”
Hunter said the park has always reminded him of Josh, who once took sailing lessons there. Josh was a commerce student at the University of Calgary and a drummer with Zackariah and the Prophets. He was known for his genuine love of people from all walks of life and making them feel welcome.
Shannon Miller, mother to Perras, said Tuesday she hopes the performance stage will also be used for dance, one of her daughter’s biggest passions.
“She was always a dancer, always a performer. I know she would love to see others enjoying this space and dancing. It will make me think of her,” Miller said.
“Our hope is that the garden will be a vibrant and intimate gathering place for public performances or quiet contemplation. People will leave the garden with a clear mind.”
Perras attended Mount Royal University and was passionate about dance, studying at the Counterpoint Dance Academy for several years.
Jordan Segura was a religious studies student at the University of Calgary and worked part-time at the McInnis Holloway funeral home. Segura’s mother said Tuesday that the legacy project will be about creating newer, better memories.
And Lawrence Hong, who was on the cusp of completing the urban studies program at the University of Calgary, had his bachelor’s degree granted posthumously.
Ronda-Lee Rathwell said Tuesday that as an urban designer, Hong would have loved the garden legacy project and would have been inspired by its creativity and unique design within an urban park setting.
Parents said the Legacy Garden also aims to create public programs for performance artistry such as dance, yoga, meditation and other forms of physical creativity and expression.
Anyone wishing to donate to help build the project can make a donation through the Parks Foundation at quinterralegacygarden.com. Charitable tax receipts are provided for any donations.
with files from Ryan Rumbolt
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