(NEWBERG) — Ciarán Hynes is a busy guy, and his industriousness has proved to be a benefit to the Newberg community.
Despite being the father of three, an administrator at A-dec and an adjunct professor at George Fox University, Hynes has devoted his spare time to constructing the Newberg Peace Garden adjacent to First Presbyterian Church.
The native of Ireland, who emigrated to the United States in 2000, has led the garden project since its inception about three years ago.
“I designed the garden, raised funds, organized volunteer work groups, purchased materials and have done probably 90-plus percent of the work myself,” he said, estimating he has put in more than 3,000 volunteer hours.
He has received help from students during George Fox University's Serve Day and volunteers from A-dec and the Newberg Noon Rotary Club.
The effort represents the transformation from a roughly one-acre empty lot that formerly held Veritas School and was “mostly grass and some brambles and mature trees” to a sylvan glade that has a labyrinth, small amphitheater, walking paths and plenty of space for contemplation.
“I could see the potential in the space for creating something very special for the people of Newberg to come and visit as I mowed the grass each week,” Hynes said in his capacity as a volunteer caretaker. “The idea for (a) community healing project was further reinforced when I pitched the idea to the Rev. Pastor Chris Murphy as it aligned with what he had been thinking of and praying for the space.”
Murphy praised the 47-year-old’s work and dedication to the project: “Ciarán has been an amazing gift to our church community and the entire Newberg community. Ciarán is incredibly generous with his time and talent and the Newberg Peace Garden reflects Ciaran's heart for others and his desire to bring healing and peace to our community.”
Murphy explained how the Peace Garden project came about: “Early on during my pastorate, we struggled to know what to do with our backyard property. God put on my heart to have the space become a place for prayer and reflection. I shared this vision with our congregation during my Easter sermon in the spring of 2022, and Ciarán spoke to me after the Easter service and offered to build our garden.”
Hynes took over maintenance of the church’s back lot from an ailing congregant in April 2022. Soon after, the Peace Garden project began to take root, with some funding provided via a $10,000 grant from the Austin Family Foundation, $3,000 from Newberg Early Bird Rotary and “somewhere between 3,000 and 5,000 hours and almost year-round activity of some sort prepping the lot, building the paths, labyrinth, amphitheater, lawn areas, shrub beds” and irrigation systems he is currently working.
Additional funding came from a Portland Seminary grant, a Lily Foundation Thriving Congregations grant, both Newberg Rotary clubs, Kiwanis and private donations from congregants and community members. The trees were donated by Oregon Tree and Turf Farms.
Still, funding would fall short without Hynes' efforts.
“Since I am doing most of the work myself, we are able to really stretch our small budget to achieve great things,” Hynes said.
In the end, it’s all been worth it.
“This has been a passion project since Day One, and my enjoyment and love for the Peace Garden continues to grow. …,” he said. “I feel more connected to Newberg now and believe I have created something that will outlast my time on earth. I hope my children and someday grandchildren enjoy the garden as much as I do.”
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