'Harvey's Haven': 10-Year Old’s Plan for COVID-19 Garden Presented to Solihull Council

Councillor Ade Adeyemo with Harvey Eustace and his Mum, Steph Freeman

10-year old Lyndon resident Harvey Eustace’s plan for a COVID-19 Memory and Reflection Garden in Olton Jubilee Park is being considered by officers at Solihull Council.
After presenting Harvey’s idea at the July session of Solihull Council, Lyndon Ward Councillor Ade Adeyemo (Lib Dem) said, “It was a pleasure to present this brilliant idea by 10-year old Lyndon resident Harvey Eustace for a COVID19 Memorial Garden in Olton Jubilee Park to Full Council.
“Harvey would like to create a Memory or Reflection Garden in Olton Jubilee Park - a small section of the park that can be set aside for people who have lost a friend or family member or who have a friend or family member who is poorly from COVID-19.
“He would also like to raise funds to buy benches that can be placed around the garden, with plaques saying "In memory of those who we lost too soon - 2020".
“As you can see in his drawing, Harvey's plan is to have a central tree, surrounded by beds, planted with rainbow-coloured flowers.
“As so many people have not been able to attend funerals and say goodbye properly to their loved ones, Harvey would like this garden to be a place where they can have some quiet time to reflect and remember those we have lost in our community and those who are still poorly. 
“He would like to create something nice and beautiful at a time when there is so much anxiety and sadness.
“Harvey's idea for Olton Jubilee Park has been very well received by everyone.  Many people have also asked me if something similar could be done in the North of Solihull, where Harvey goes to school.  We are now in discussions with officers Solihull Council and Love Solihull to see if this can be done.
“If the Council agrees, I have asked if the Mayor could perform the opening ceremony in Olton Jubilee Park, with Harvey as ‘Guest of Honour’.
“Well done Harvey”!

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The is the note written by Harvey:
"I would like to create a memory garden for those who have lost someone during the COVID-19 pandemic. This would be somewhere for families and friends to come and remember those who they have lost, in a place that is beautiful and happy.
"I would like to get flowers that people could plant, in memory of a loved one, especially at a time when people can’t say goodbye and attend funerals.
"Families and friends could come and share time together in a space for all ages I wanted to create something to acknowledge people in my community who we have lost and support those who have lost someone in our community
"I hope you like my pictures.  My Mum helped me draw a picture as well what I think it could look like. I wanted it to be fun and family-friendly and for it to last a long time. I want it to be a community thing that we can help create and have pride in, at a time when people are scared, sad and struggling.
"Our community has come together lately and I think this will help to keep that going”.