A well-known rest spot at the north entrance of Bluffton and Highway 20 has received a much-needed facelift thanks to the combined efforts of community groups and an injection of funds from Ponoka County.
Carol Thompson, secretary for Bluffton and District Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber and the Winfield 4-H Gait Riders worked hard on June 16 to transform the Bluffton rock site into a place of beauty. Low shrubs and perennials were purchased with $300 contributed to the project by the county.
“Weeds got pulled and some new perennials got planted and much –needed weed barrier cloth and landscape rock were the finishing touches to give the site a fresh new look,” she said.
“Those kids worked so hard,” she added, speaking of the 4-H members.
Thompson said the rock site was a Canadian Centennial project.
“Some history was shared from Irene Lovell-Kurta to the 4-H members and it was discovered that in 1966 a local 4-H group also contributed to the rock site,” she added.
The fact 4-H clubs continue to play a role in the maintenance of the site is interesting, she noted.
“Bounce ahead a few decades and a new generation of 4-H kids have volunteered their time and energy to the site.”
The Bluffton rock site is a scenic place to stop for a picnic or simply to rest for a while. Plaques dedicated to the settlers in the area and the original school districts are also located in the location.