Home Fires Park is the only park of its kind in Canada.   

 Created in 1998 at CFB Petawawa, the park and monument are dedicated to military spouses

 everywhere acknowledging the support they provide in this unique, challenging lifestyle.

 Home Fires Park is situated at the corner of Festubert and Moreuilwood Blvd, next to the Twin Rivers complex overlooking the beautiful Ottawa River with the Quebec hills in the background.   CWO Bob Hodgson was suffering from terminal cancer when he agreed to help work on this sign.  He'd work when he felt well enough and rest when he needed to.  Bob was a co-worker whom I had the greatest respect for.  He was a dedicated family man, a soldier's soldier, and his belief in the Park Project was very encouraging to me. 

 He is gone, but never forgotten.

Unique boulders line the main pathway from the monument to the gazebo.  The pathway represents the many journeys military families make - a journey to shelter realizing that sometimes the path we take leads us in directions we do not expect. 

 Each boulder has the military unit/association name and crest sand-blasted into the rock. Many boulders include a sentence of support to spouses. The Minister of National Defence's boulder is dedicated "To those who wait patiently, caring for family".
 

The beautiful six foot Canadian Pink Granite monument shows appreciation to all the wives, mothers, and partners who have not only sacrificed so much in this military lifestyle, but have been the main support for our military members.

The monument bears the inscription: "In honour of those who kept,  and continue to keep the Home Fires Burning." This monument will also be a constant reminder to let spouses know how much they are appreciated.
 

The amazing view as seen from inside the gazebo shows the base golf course in the middle foreground, with the mighty Ottawa River (1217 kilometers long) in the background with its many islands bordered on the far side by the Quebec hills. 

 Many pause and reflect in the gazebo while others bring a book and lunch and relax in the shelter offered while their children play nearby.

The twelve foot cedar gazebo was created by the Trade Pioneers of the 1^st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment here at CFB Petawawa. It sits on the highest point in the park with a million dollar view.

 The gazebo represents shelter for all, a perfect place for a family to gather or enjoy a pause to reflect. This well-used gazebo has been the location of countless wedding and family photo sessions.

 

The view from the benches at the end of the Family Pathway which is nestled amid the tall pine trees is exquisite. 

 Boats, moored on the Ottawa River next to the Base Yacht Club can be seen peeking through the trees while visitors stop and rest on the benches nestled amid the tall pine trees at the end of the Family Pathway. 

The natural beauty of the site has been enhanced with a variety 

of bushes and flowers that will provide a multitude of colors from spring to fall.

Personalized, individual family bricks have been installed along the main pathway and the family pathway.  Each bears it's own special message - to acknowledge a loved one; a welcome home from a UN/NATO tour; a family gift to a military wife and mother, or to remember a lost loved one. 

For others, it's a way of leaving a little something behind as they move on to new challenges.
 

  These pictures don't do justice to the beauty of Home Fires Park  but I do hope it gives all of you a mental picture of what has been created with you in mind. 

 As we work hard to erect an eternal flame in honor of all those who keep the home fires burning - past and present, and tie it in to Home Fires Park, watch this site for more pictures.  

Or, better yet plan on joining us to celebrate the opening ceremonies this spring (2007) - date to be announced as soon as it has been decided.

My sincere thanks to military wife and friend, Melyssa Van Tassel, whose beautiful rainbow photos really do show that the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow is indeed Home Fires Park.  

 These beautiful rainbows show that a higher power believes in us and is there to support us.  To all military wives, always remember that you ARE special.