Kasugia Garden, Kelowna, B.C.

I thought I had posted this blog but I guess I forgot 😦 Kasugai Garden’s holds a soft spot in my heart from my working years. A friend/co-worker, I affectionately call Blondie, and I would often wander over to the gardens on our coffee breaks to enjoy the peace and tranquility.

In 1977 the BC Minister of Tourism suggested that Kelowna be considered a potential Sister City to Kasugai, Japan. Over the next few years, gifts and visits were exchanged and in 1981 a Sister City Agreement was signed to promote and enhance the relationship between Kelowna, British Columbia and Kasugai, Aichi, Japan.

This is what the gardens look like today … the large structure in the background is a parking garage.

But through the miracle of photo editing I am able to show you what it looked like when I spent time in the park. I like this photo much better than the first but my daughter prefers the first picture because it shows the big town Kelowna has become ☺

In 1983, in Kasugai, Japan, Kelowna Boulevard was dedicated to the growing friendship. It was complete with a replica of the Kelowna Sails, the most icon landmark in Kelowna. Hubby and I were fortunate to visit Kelowna Boulevard in Kasugai, Japan almost fourteen years ago and it really was cool to be so far from home and see the Sails. Unfortunately that trip was before I took digital pictures and all our photo albums are in storage so I can’t share my picture of Kelowna Boulevard.

In 1994 a site behind Kelowna City Hall, and across the street from the Federal Building where I worked, was dedicated as Kasugai Gardens. The Gardens, completed in 1987, symbolize the friendship between the cities, providing residents and visitors with a pleasant and relaxing place to enjoy their time. I am going to leave you with no more words but hopefully you will have a feeling of tranquility after viewing the rest of my garden photo’s 🙂