An emotional moment at the official opening for Cox Park when Mayor Mike Bradley and Norma Cox unveil the memorial for the late Mary-Ann Clark. June 24, 2015 (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Briana Carnegie)An emotional moment at the official opening for Cox Park when Mayor Mike Bradley and Norma Cox unveil the memorial for the late Mary-Ann Clark. June 24, 2015 (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Briana Carnegie)
Sarnia

Cox Park Unveiled In Moving Ceremony

A moving ceremony in Germain Park Wednesday morning unveiled the official opening of Cox Park and Mary-Ann's Marigold Garden.

Thanks to an $825,000 donation from resident Norma Cox, 2.5 acres of open green space has been converted to landscaped meandering trails, flower gardens, a gazebo, dancing bench, and two staged performance areas.

It was an emotional moment in the crowd when Mayor Mike Bradley helped Cox pull a white lace cloth off the memorial for the late Mary Ann Clarke, who died in 1991.

Cox says her mother always had marigolds blooming in her garden and wanted a bed of them in her honour.

"That's originally what I had in mind until one thing led to another and I've ended up with like a 3 acre park! But I love every bit of it. I'm very pleased and happy with all of it," she says.

Originally from America, Cox moved to Sarnia in 1971 and has been a huge supporter of community projects.

Her other efforts include a scholarship program at Lambton College, a golf program for low-income children, and $2-million worth of park upgrades.

"I can tell you, I have no regrets for any of the donations I've made. I can't think of one that I'm sorry I've did," says Cox. "It's so nice to hear from people that tell me thank you. That's the best news I can hear is that they appreciate it."

Mary-Ann's Marigold Garden is located between Strangway Centre and Jackson Pool in the area of the Golden Hawk.

Norma Cox speaks at the official opening ceremony for Cox Park within Germain Park. June 24, 2015 (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Briana Carnegie)Norma Cox speaks at the official opening ceremony for Cox Park within Germain Park. June 24, 2015 (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Briana Carnegie)

Norma Cox and Mayor Mike Bradley unveil the memorial for the late Mary-Ann Clark June 24, 2015 (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Briana Carnegie)Norma Cox and Mayor Mike Bradley unveil the memorial for the late Mary-Ann Clark June 24, 2015 (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Briana Carnegie)

Norma Cox and Mayor Mike Bradley unveil the memorial for the late Mary-Ann Clark June 24, 2015 (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Briana Carnegie)Norma Cox and Mayor Mike Bradley unveil the memorial for the late Mary-Ann Clark June 24, 2015 (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Briana Carnegie)

Norma Cox and Mayor Mike Bradley unveil the memorial for the late Mary-Ann Clark June 24, 2015 (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Briana Carnegie)Norma Cox and Mayor Mike Bradley unveil the memorial for the late Mary-Ann Clark June 24, 2015 (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Briana Carnegie)

Crowd gathered for the official opening ceremony of Cox Park within Germain Park. June 24, 2015 (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Briana Carnegie)Crowd gathered for the official opening ceremony of Cox Park within Germain Park. June 24, 2015 (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Briana Carnegie)

Memorial for the late Mary-Ann Clark located in Cox Park. June 24, 2015 (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Briana Carnegie)Memorial for the late Mary-Ann Clark located in Cox Park. June 24, 2015 (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Briana Carnegie)

Memorial for the late Mary-Ann Clark located in Cox Park. June 24, 2015 (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Briana Carnegie)Memorial for the late Mary-Ann Clark located in Cox Park. June 24, 2015 (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Briana Carnegie)

The Golden Hawk monument at Germain Park June 24, 2015 (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Briana Carnegie)The Golden Hawk monument at Germain Park June 24, 2015 (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Briana Carnegie)

"Dancing" bench, a new addition to Cox Park. June 24, 2015 (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Briana Carnegie)

New staged area for performances put in through Norma Cox's donation to the city June 24, 2015 (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Briana Carnegie)New staged area for performances put in through Norma Cox's donation to the city June 24, 2015 (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Briana Carnegie)

Gazebo like area with seating arrangement for watching staged area located within Cox Park. June 24, 2015 (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Briana Carnegie)Gazebo like area with seating arrangement for watching staged area located within Cox Park. June 24, 2015 (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Briana Carnegie)

Walkway leading up to Mary-Ann's Marigold Garden in Germain Park. June 24, 2015 (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Briana Carnegie)Walkway leading up to Mary-Ann's Marigold Garden in Germain Park. June 24, 2015 (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Briana Carnegie)

Norma Cox cuts celebratory cake for official opening of Cox Park. June 24, 2015 (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Briana Carnegie)Norma Cox cuts celebratory cake for official opening of Cox Park. June 24, 2015 (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Briana Carnegie)

Second staging performance area located within Cox Park. June 24, 2015 (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Briana Carnegie)Second staging performance area located within Cox Park. June 24, 2015 (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Briana Carnegie)

Second staging performance area located within Cox Park. June 24, 2015 (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Briana Carnegie)Second staging performance area located within Cox Park. June 24, 2015 (BlackburnNews.com Photo by Briana Carnegie)

Meandering walkways of Cox Park, located within Germain Park. (Blackburn Media file photo)Meandering walkways of Cox Park, located within Germain Park. (Blackburn Media file photo)

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