The Darts Hill Garden Park Endowment provides necessary funds to build upon Francisca Darts’ vision of a Plantsman’s Garden. The Endowment contributes to capital projects that ensure the garden continues to be a unique and vital asset within the City of Surrey. Your generous contribution helps ensure the fund continues to grow and provides benefit to visitors to Darts Hill Garden Park through additional amenities and improvements.
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Darts Hill Garden is the result of over 70 years of work and dedication guided by the clear vision of Francisca Darts. Along with her husband Edwin, Francisca took a logged piece of land, turned it first into an award-winning orchard and then into the unique garden that is Darts Hill today.
In 1994 Edwin and Francisca Darts donated their 7.5-acre garden to the City of Surrey and its citizens. Their intention was to give Surrey its own garden to be used as a horticultural centre for the preservation, enhancement, and development of plants. Their original endowment of $200,000 now stands at over $4 million.
The Darts Hill Garden Conservancy Trust Society works in partnership with the City of Surrey overseeing the operation of Darts Hill Garden Park. Each year, SurreyCares distributes a portion of the revenue generated from the endowment to be used for necessary capital projects. Some projects that have been funded by the endowment include:
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Pond design & renovation
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Infrastructure improvements including much-needed drainage improvements
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Structural improvements for increased safety and enjoyment including, stairs, railings, basalt walls and gravel pathways
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Perimeter fencing at the entry to the Maple Meadow to improve site security and protection of unique plants and trees
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The disbursement for 2021 is at $274,819. These funds will partially be used towards the following projects:
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Accessibility Improvements, such as a new railing along the hybrid Walnut stairs and the placement of four new benches.
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The ongoing acquisition of new and innovative plants for our area ($5000 annually).
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Ongoing upgrades to the drainage and irrigation system ($40,000 - $70,000 annually).
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Future development plans, beginning with architectural plans, for a new Reception Building ($25,000).
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The Darts Hill Garden Conservancy Trust Society and the City of Surrey would like to thank the many corporate and individual donors who recognize the value and enjoyment that Darts Hill Garden Park provides to the people of Surrey. Your ongoing generosity is greatly appreciated.
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In order to properly recognize all donors for their contributions, SurreyCares Community Foundation will share your name and donation amount with the fund advisor unless you have checked the anonymous box on the donation form.
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Donations to this fund will support the charity's general charitable purposes. Statements about the fund's purpose or how donations will be applied are reflective of the charity's current intent and are subject to change.
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All donations to this fund will be permanently endowed.