An Iranian immigrant is proposing that a Peace Garden be included in the plans to revamp Harrington Park, Riccarton.

Following the March 15 mosque tragedies, Sirwan Mohamadi wrote a reflective poem, “What more is there to be said”, which shared his feelings following the events.

Sirwan and his family live near Harrington Park, and his passion for writing has inspired him to build a garden as a statement of peace and unity within the local multi-cultural community.

He first suggested his idea to the Oak Development Trust, and during a community meal at Riccarton Baptist Church he met up with Peter Zheng, a Chinese immigrant who had a long career as a landscape architect. The two rapidly developed a friendship, and together developed plans for a garden.

The idea was presented to the Halswell-Hornby-Riccarton Community Board at the beginning of July in a bid to form a partnership with City Council park staff on the project.

A key element Sirwan is planning is for the garden to have smaller stones which people can write on.

“The idea is about inspiring the young generation into writing... one of the ideas to inspire young people to express themselves in a way that is artistic and can help mentally and emotionally,” he said.

The group also plans to transform an outer ring surrounding the stones into a path of pebbles which people can walk on as a foot massage.

The aim is for the garden to complement the Harrington Park playground renewal, which is due to be completed in October.

Sirwan, who is originally from Iran, said although the idea for the garden was inspired by the March 15 attacks, it’s principally about respecting diversity in Riccarton, although he said everyone will have different opinions on what the garden may relate to.

The Harrington Park project is still in the planning stages, and city council staff will need to be involved in establishing the cost of the project, but Sirwan hopes that local support will provide much of the funding.

The idea has been well received by the Community Board. Chairman Mike Mora congratulated the group, and city councillor Vicki Buck said she thought it wonderful, “and I love the idea of a community park.”

The proposal has been passed on to City Council staff for consideration, and will come back to the community board.

Photo at top: Sirwan Mohamadi (right) with landscape architect Peter Zheng.