Crowds line up by the hanging baskets created by KPU landscape design students for the inaugural ride on the heritage interurban car
For immediate release
June 24, 2013
KPU horticulture students partner with Fraser Valley Heritage Railway Society to beautify Cloverdale Station
Metro Vancouver, BC – On June 22, 2013, the Fraser Valley Heritage Railway Society (FVHRS) inaugurated operations of the Heritage Rail Demonstration Project and officially opened the replica Cloverdale Station. Kwantlen Polytechnic University's (KPU) horticulture students made sure the station looked picture perfect for its debut.
Under the leadership of KPU instructor Betty Cunnin, the University's School of Horticulture Landscape Design students created a number of hanging baskets, which are currently on display at the station. The students are also developing a landscaping plan for the heritage station—a plan that is set to be complete in December 2013.
"The Fraser Valley Heritage Railway Society is delighted that KPU is working on the development of a site landscape plan for the perimeter of the Cloverdale property, and will work with the professional landscapers to implement the plan in the fall and next spring," said Ray Hudson, FVHRS Director of Communications. "We are also very thankful that KPU provided the beautiful hanging baskets which decorate the new station building. This will be a terrific association, and I am looking forward to the results of the students' work next spring and summer."
As part of KPU's horticulture class in landscape design, students practice the basic principles of landscape design, including plant composition, creative problem solving, and functional and design uses of landscape materials. They also prepare working drawings, such as concept and planting plans for clients.
The FVHRS has been working for a number of years to restore and operate heritage interurban cars on the original BC Electric Railway Route through Surrey and the Fraser Valley to link heritage tourism destinations. This past Saturday—more than 50 years after she made her last run—the restored interurban car 1225 shuttled its first passengers along the original line between Cloverdale and Sullivan Station.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region for 30 years, and has opened doors to success for more than 250,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts, science, design, health, trades and technology, apprenticeships, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 18,000 students annually have a choice from over 200 programs, including bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations.
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For more information about KPU, contact:
Joanne Saunders
Director, Communications and Marketing Services
Tel: 604.599.2888
joanne.saunders@kpu.ca