Provincial Park Renamed for Jerry Lawrence

Former radio host and cabinet minister Jerry Lawrence can add a new title to his long list of achievements and accolades: inspiration and namesake of a provincial park.

Natural Resources Minister David Morse joined Mr. Lawrence and MLA Bill Estabrooks in Timberlea today, July 12, as signs at the former Lewis Lake Provincial Park were formally replaced by ones that bear a new name: Jerry Lawrence Provincial Park.

"Renaming a park is not an easy thing to do," said Mr. Morse. "People become accustomed to a name and are reluctant to see change. They take ownership of their area parks. But when Mr. Estabrooks suggested this new name, we knew it was a winner. And we knew the community would agree, because this park is part of Jerry's legacy."

As a member of the legislature from 1978 through to 1993, Mr. Lawrence played a key role in developing a wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities at the park, including many features that make the area more accessible for all Nova Scotians.

"Thanks to Jerry Lawrence's vision, this park provides wheelchair-accessible fishing piers, nature trails, picnic sites and viewing areas, as well as well-marked paths and barrier-free vault washroom facilities," said Mr. Morse.

The park -- which was officially renamed during the last session of the legislature -- earned the 1986 award for facility excellence from the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association.

Although signs in the park have now been changed and the provincial park website updated, the new name will not appear in some park brochures, advertisements and other reading materials until they are reprinted next year.