In pictures: Norman Wells celebrates new Rick Muyres Memorial Park

Norman Wells held a formal opening celebration for its new park, named for the late Rick Muyres, on Friday afternoon.

Muyres, a craftsman who lived in the town for many years, is remembered for his passion for building. He passed away in 2016, leaving a legacy of log houses, bridges and gazebos.

Alex Millette, the town’s recreation manager, said that is why council decided to pay tribute to Muyres by naming the park in his memory.

“Actually, the gazebo that’s on-site, he made as well. The bridge that’s connected to the park, he made,” Millette told Cabin Radio on Thursday.

“A lot of the gazebos, the bridges he built, he actually put names of people during his time here who had impacts to the community. He recognized them in his work and, in turn, we’re recognizing our new park in his memory. It’s a nice full-circle moment to show what he’s done for the community.”

The park is located close to the downtown Arctic Energy Alliance building. In a July interview, Mayor Frank Pope said he believed the location – which formerly hosted an oil pumpjack – would be convenient for residents.

The town partnered with Imperial Oil, which contributed $50,000 for the Rick Muyres Memorial Park.

Millette thanked Imperial for being a “key partner” throughout the project, as well as town administration for additional support.

He said the project started a few years ago through “great dialogue and discussions” about the town’s needs.

“From the comments we got back from the community, we were able to craft this piece that we have now and it is only going to grow, year over year, as we add to it,” he said.

According to Millette, the area is spacious enough to hold live music performances and larger gatherings. As an example, he said the town’s Black Bear Jamboree was held inside the park last month.

Now, the plan is to make the space greener by adding grass and establishing a fire pit. The town is also accessing some grants to plant trees.