Shane Case’s countless hours behind the scenes helping others doesn’t go unnoticed.
Carter County Community Advisory Board representatives, Carter County Proud, TEACH BETA Club and employees from Lowe’s joined in fellowship Thursday to construct a memorial garden on the Riverfront Linear Trail, directly behind Lowe’s, to honor the life of Case’s infant daughter, Camryn Renee Case, who passed away.
Whether it was giving back to school systems or the county’s community gardens, giving back to the Case family with a memorial garden was an easy call, according to Elizabethton Parks & Recreation Director Mike Mains. The memorial garden is the first in the new “Adopt A Spot Program” recently put into effect by the Parks & Rec Board.
“This was a really special project,” Mains said. “It touches the lives of many, including a wonderful family. Shane is a man that cares a great deal about the community. You can tell by the many groups involved in making this reality that his family is special and are deeply respected. We are honored to have the garden on the trail as a way to show respect to a family that has done so much for Carter County and the City of Elizabethton. It is a beautiful addition to the trail and it honors the memory of a beautiful little girl.”
Over the months, CAB representatives worked with Parks & Rec on the details of the garden. Jilian Reece, CAB vice-chair, stated the design of the garden, shaped like a butterfly, was done after Shane stated it was the perfect reminder of his daughter, who loved the outdoors.
“We’re so thankful,” Case said. “So many community members pitched in to do this project. It is so awesome and overwhelming honestly.”
Reece said the project came as a no-brainer during discussions months ago. Case and Lowe’s have been instrumental in the success of CAB’s community gardens and recent Build It Up initiative by providing plants.
Located directly behind Lowe’s, the vice-chair said the group wanted to provide the garden as a way to give thanks and pay their respects.
“It means so much,” Case said. “I can come over here at lunch and just spend some time with her. I know she’s always with us and I’ll see her again. Jilian and Mike were so instrumental in this project, and everyone here today helping out.”
Brian Springer, Jack Tyler and Relyt Construction were behind the concept of the garden. Volunteers spent Thursday putting the final decorative touches at the location and near the end of the day, Shane and his wife, Amber, were able to take a seat at the newly-placed bench and reflect back on the day.
“We really appreciate everyone,” Amber said. “We couldn’t imagine something like this happening. It is so incredible.”
Shane added, “This is the first memorial garden on the trail. We’re honored that she’s going to be the first one. We hope everyone that walks the trail can enjoy the garden.”
Mains added the department is going to look at adding other gardens throughout the trail.
“This project is part of our department’s program that focuses on beautification for the trial,” he said. “If there’s a community organization or group that has an idea for a garden, we encourage them to get in contact with us. We’d love to offer more through the trail.”
For more information about the program, contact Parks & Rec at (423) 547-6441.