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Email:
rwp@rockwalkpark.com
About Us
RockWalk Park Inc. is a community-based, volunteer driven organization. It is an incorporated, non-profit organization with the mandate to develop this unique rock garden with a difference – one where the rocks themselves are the prime features. The displays tell the “Story of Our Planet” in rocks in minerals while the cultural impact of rocks and minerals on Mankind is told as the “Story of Our People”.
In the Beginning
In 1991, a large sample of banded iron formation was donated by Cleveland Cliffs Ltd to the Haileybury School of Mines (HSM) upon closure of the Sherman Mine in Temagami. Finding a place to display the sample led to the idea of developing a geological park. A 5 acre parcel of land adjacent to and immediately south of the Haileybury School of Mines campus was acquired on long-term lease and provides a logical site for the rock garden. This location is close to the school for educational purposes, central to the town of Haileybury, and relatively close to the historic Cobalt Silver Mining camp.
Initial organizational efforts were met with encouragement, and by 1997 the idea really caught fire. A committee was formed to develop plans and look for funding for the project. Several visions of the park were sketched and drafted out, with the present layout emerging around 1999.
Underway at Last
The town of Haileybury committed themselves to assisting the construction and the Millennium Foundation of Canada sponsored the park as a Millennium project. The local committee continued in their efforts to enlist community support, search for additional samples, ideas, and funds.
The mining industry of Canada donated large ore samples from across the country. The samples are arranged along a series of good pathways (many are wheel-chair accessible), according to themes such as : igneous rocks; fossils; geological structures; suites of local rock-types; metalic and non-metalic ores; platinum, gold and nickel ores. There are also gardens featuring native Canadia plants, ensuring that the beauty of the site is preserved with trees, shrubs, and other landscaping features.
The grand opening, with pipe band and tours, was held the third weekend of July, 2001, during Haileybury’s Heritage Festival Weekend.
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Future Developments
The intent of RockWalk Park is to educate, entertain, and illustrate the relationship between geology, rock, minerals and the story of Mankind. Not only will it serve as a long-term learning tool for students of all ages, but also it will provide a meeting place and a place of rest in the community. As the park develops, more horticultural landscaping will be incorporated into the design. An amphitheatre is also planned to host local theatre and musical events.