Sunset Park’s Mighty Gardeners Project Grows Well-Being Through Community, Creativity, and Care
What began as a small classroom idea has blossomed into a vibrant, school-wide movement at Sunset Park Public School. The Mighty Gardeners project connects student well-being, environmental stewardship, and community partnership in powerful, lasting ways.
Launched by educators Jessica Blais and Deanna Riching, the project began with a visit from Warren Lindsay of Clean Green Beautiful North Bay, who offered a tree donation. A playful comment about a full garden makeover turned into reality—and sparked a major transformation.
Rooted in The Third Path framework by Dr. David Tranter, the project brings the eight conditions of well-being—safety, regulation, belonging, positivity, engagement, identity, mastery, and meaning—to life through superhero-inspired “superpower” teams. Students from Kindergarten to Grade 6 painted rocks for the Peace Snake, a colourful path winding through two large garden spaces, and worked together to prepare beds and plant flowers.
Laporte’s Nursery generously donated all flowers and plants, bringing colour and beauty to the garden. Shawn Blais of Blais & Sons Electric dedicated countless hours to construction and planting, helping bring the vision to life.
Now entered in the Communities in Bloom competition and part of North Bay’s Centennial celebrations, the garden will serve as a living classroom, supporting learning in science, literacy, art, and social-emotional development.
The public is invited to the official garden opening on Monday, June 23 at 3:30 p.m. at Sunset Park Public School. Mayor Peter Chirico and community partners will join in celebrating this inspiring space.