Capetonians and visitors to the city are encouraged to remember those they have lost due to covid-19, by visiting Remembrance Gardens, to honour them.
Recently, the City’s Recreation and Parks Department dedicated the launch of its Arbor Month festivities to the families of residents who lost their loved ones to Covid-19.
Executive Mayor, Alderman Dan Plato, and Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien, helped to plant a memorial garden. They planted tall Liquidamber styraciflua trees in an empty space at Maynardville Park.
The Meaning Of Trees:‘These trees represent life and will remind us of the contribution made by our residents and staff to our neighbourhoods and City. It also creates awareness around the value of caring for nature and how it beautifies our surroundings. We will honour them through nurturing these trees. I look forward to seeing these plants mature to serve as a reminder of the beauty around us, even in difficult times,’ said Executive Mayor Dan Plato.
Councillor Badroodien says: ‘The trees that we planted create a circle symbolising the circle of life. We held six Covid-19 remembrance ceremonies at gardens that are living memorials to the many loved ones we’ve lost. We remember them not only today, but as these trees grow and thrive it will be a testimony to their lives. In total, 18 new trees were added to the established gardens.’
Arbor Month Theme:
The theme for Arbor Month in 2021 is Forest Restoration: A path to recovery and well-being.
It is a call to action for communities to become aware of and to value the critical role that trees play in sustainable development.
