A huge replica of a compass constructed from approximately 26,000 bricks and a sculpture of a Quartermaster serve as the focal point for the Marine/Rail Historical Park which was officially opened today in Borden-Carleton. The Park commemorates the years of marine and rail service provided by the community and the many former employees who worked to keep the ferries and the railcars moving.
Located on the site of the former Marine Atlantic compound, the Park overlooks the Northumberland Strait and the Confederation Bridge and features a lighthouse and observation deck. A stationhouse has been reconstructed to serve as an interpretive centre. There is a play area with components shaped to resemble the first Abegweit ferry. The various elements of the Park are connected by more than 1,000 feet of boardwalk, and it is only a short walk to Gateway Village.
"The Marine/Rail Historical Park is a wonderful addition to the community of Borden-Carleton. The majority of visitors to the Island still arrive through Borden-Carleton, and the Park will offer yet another reason for people to stay in the area and explore the shops and services in the community," said Wayne Easter, Member of Parliament for Malpeque, on behalf of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Human Resources Development Canada.
A volunteer committee has worked cooperatively with the Central Development Corporation to raise the private and public sector funds to build the Marine/Rail Historical Park. One of the committee's fundraising initiatives was to sell engraved bricks to former employees. The inner circle of the compass now contains more than 800 engraved bricks, all containing the names of former marine and rail employees.
"I am impressed at how hard this community has worked to make this project a success, " said the Honourable Michael F. Currie, Minister of Development and Technology. "They have worked together, they have raised money - and they are still working to ensure this project's success."
"I would like to thank the many volunteers as well as the private and public sector supporters who have joined together to make the Park a reality. We look forward to welcoming many visitors to the Park and our community in the years ahead," said Charles MacKenzie, chair, Marine/Rail Historical Park committee.
Contributors to the Marine/Rail Historical Park include the Government of Canada, the Province of Prince Edward Island, Central Development Corporation, P.E.I. Council of the Arts, Noonan Fuels, CAW Canada, Community of Borden-Carleton, Island Tel, Maritime Electric, Dougay Electric, Brian Clark, Callbecks Ltd., South Shore Arts Council, SCL Engineering, Island Technologies, Heritage Traditions, Marine Atlantic, Borden-Carleton Holdings, Borden Area Development Corporation, Panduit Canada, and CAW Local 4127.
The Marine/Rail Historical Park will be open from June to October each year.