The City of Saint John is excited to unveil a stunning new White Heart mini park located at the intersection of Chesley Drive and Douglas Avenue, developed in partnership with NBM Railways and Operation White Heart.
Gary Brown Sr. started Operation White Heart in 2022 to increase awareness and address the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide prevention, stated each heart helps people through their struggles and grief and is a simple symbol that spreads love, compassion and empathy.
“It promotes conversations about mental health and suicide. Each heart spreads messages that ‘You’re never alone’, ‘It’s OK not be OK’, ‘You matter’, and ‘We care.”
Over the past few years, the City has worked with Operation White Heart to install several smaller white hearts along Harbour Passage. City staff identified the lot near the Reversing Falls Bridge as an ideal location for a new installation.
After verifying land ownership with NBM Railways concerning the New Brunswick Southern Railway (NBSR) line, the City obtained the required permissions, setting the mini-park project into motion.
The City has teamed up with the New Brunswick Community College to provide an in-house horticulture and landscaping course for eight employees from Saint John Parks. As a hands-on project, the students were given the exciting challenge of designing and constructing a mini park.
In the newly established park, a lovely flagstone path lined with white roses guides visitors to a magnificent white stone heart. At the path’s end, two granite benches made from recycled curbing await, serving as a reminder of the city’s historical infrastructure.
At the forefront of the benches, a prominent white heart is set against a sloping backdrop, complemented by a vibrant garden of white roses and a towering Magnolia tree above. The garden, made from recycled granite curb stones, proudly displays the words “You Matter,” etched by a City parks employee who volunteered his talents and time.
“We’ve created a peaceful, welcoming space for reflection and support,” says Steve Bishop, City of Saint John Public Works Superintendent. “Our hope is that the park offers comfort to those who visit, serving as a reminder that there is always hope, and help is never far away.”
If you or someone you care about is having thoughts of suicide, please reach out by calling or texting 9-8-8.
Help is accessible around the clock, every day of the week through the Suicide Crisis Helpline.
Additionally, you can contact the Addiction and Mental Health Helpline at 1-866-355-5550, available 24/7.
