Friday, September 10, 2010

Amelia Park Ice Arena & Garden Celebrates Ten Years

Westfield's Amelia Park Ice Arena and Garden is one of the finest examples of personal philanthropy in Western Massachusetts. Built as a tribute to his late wife Amelia, Albert F. Ferst has created an amazing skating complex within a nearly 50,000 square foot facility, the culmination of a dream the woman affectionately known as "Millie" had held dear to her heart.

Outside the arena, Amelia's Garden graces a beautifully transformed acre of land replete with flowers and foliage, statuettes and streaming waterfalls.

Today, September 10, 2010, is Amelia Park's 10th anniversary, which is being marked with a celebration to be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. complete with cake, free skating (rentals $3), face painting and more.

For details, visit: http://ameliaparkice.org/arena-programs/special-events/10th-anniversary-celebration.html



Noble Hospital will be offering free blood pressure screening at Amelia Park during today's event. A prescription for inner peace could surely include a slow walk through the garden, likely to bring calm to even the highest-strung soul.



"Amelia Ferst was a beautiful, humble person who never looked to be
recognized for all the good deeds she did. She and her husband Albert
always saw with their hearts the needs of the community and took
every opportunity to enrich the lives of others.

This garden has been created as a loving tribute to Amelia, her vision
and her commitment to the future of Westfield and its children.


The splendor of the flowers is a reflection of her beauty.

The chirping of the birds is the sweet melody of her voice.

The soft whisper of the wind is the quiet manner in which she gave to others.

The warmth of the sun is the embrace of her love.

The springtime rebirth of the garden is her unwavering belief in God."



As the seasons change and autumn makes her entry, some colors brighten, some shades fade. All the hue and cry of nature unbound, splashed on cosmic canvas to become portraits ever-changing, memories everlasting.



There are some who walk the path whose footprints never fade.



Amelia Garden is an acre of undying love, watered and nurtured, the fruit a harvest of joy to be savored.



Sit for a bit and reflect. Let the sights and sounds carry you away in place.



Bricks fired in the kiln of the passionate heart. Mortar mixed in turning days strung together as a life well-lived. Memorials and tributes in stone, for the ages to behold. A garden is the work of a beautiful soul.



A gazebo and trellises grace the garden. Sixty-four beds of flowers masterfully maintained are individual smiles.



"Lives are filled with happiness when hearts are filled with love."



Our lives are each one of themselves a time capsule, stored in the hearts of those who would remember our passing. The world is a better place because of Amelia and Albert Ferst.

Here is a link to the Amelia Ice Arena & Garden's website:

http://ameliaparkice.org/

As always, thanks for stopping by and take care.



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1 comment:

sojourner said...

Amelia Park is a delightful surprise. Thank you, Mark, for introducing it to some of us who don't often get out Westfield way. I plan to make it a day trip sometime soon.