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Music and nature come together at new Harmony Gardens

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A small group of stakeholders gathered at the new Harmony Gardens Wednesday afternoon for a special dedication ceremony. Those pictured include (front row, from left) Dustin Nolan, Prestin Nolan, Sawyer Swiggum, Kristin Nolan, Erin Nolan, Trace Martin; (middle row) Tom Nelson, Kathy Reynolds, Russ Barnhart, Pat Dillman, Blair Dillman, Faith Dillman, Jean Ann Dillman, Jonathan Herman, Mike Ulrich, Cathie Nelson, Carrie Nolan, Ashlin Nolan; (back row) Stewart Slaman, Joey Jones and Brian Dillman. In the center of the cement pad to which the instruments are affixed is this large medallion as a dedication to Brian Dillman’s parents. (Photos by Correne Martin)

Pictured during the dedication last week are members of the Dillman family, including Brian (above) and Faith, Pat and Jean Ann (below).

By Correne Martin

The St. Feriole Island Memorial Gardens have grown into a glorious destination. The latest addition has brought music and nature together to amplify their beauty all the more.

The Harmony Gardens offers visitors to the park a group of outdoor musical instruments—mostly xylophones of various sizes and appearances, along with bongo drums—that are open for the playing. They have been installed on a raised, circular, cement platform located on the north end of the Memorial Gardens and are free to use for people of all ages, musical knowledge or skill. The platform, which is 24 feet in diameter and red in color, has a ramp for handicap accessibility and is just a foot off the ground so no railing is needed and children can hop on and off with ease.

The Harmony Gardens were constructed during the summer of 2016, finished in August and dedicated on the afternoon of Oct. 5 in front of a small group of stakeholders who were instrumental in bringing this euphonious dream to reality. The gardens are a project in honor of Pat and the late Bruce Dillman, from their son Brian Dillman, along with his wife Jean Ann, and children.

About five years ago, rural Prairie du Chien resident Carrie Nolan discovered the concept of outdoor musical playground equipment online and felt it would be wonderful if there was a park locally where young children could play, learn and enjoy the instruments.

“Our 4-H club was always involved in the spring with our own gardening at the Memorial Gardens,” she said. “[Our family] is there a lot; my kids love playing there. I thought it’d be a neat addition.”

So she presented her idea to the Memorial Gardens committee, who shared the notion with Brian Dillman and his mom, Pat, who had expressed a desire to do something in the gardens in memory of Bruce.

“We got together and started sharing ideas on how we could make this happen, where we could put it and what kind of platform we needed for mounting these instruments,” said Tom Nelson, who is heavily involved with the gardens, alongside his wife, Cathie. “That’s where Brian’s eyes started to sparkle. He started thinking about the engineering of it, which is his expertise.”

That’s when Brian stepped up and volunteered his skills, time and money to design and build the Harmony Gardens in honor of his parents. “I thought it would be a nice tribute to have for a city park,” Brian stated.

Next, Brian started researching companies that sold such equipment. He eventually made connection with a firm from England that carried exactly the pieces he envisioned. Three xylophones, a cherub and bongo drums were ordered—all vibrant in color, pleasant in sound and strong enough to withstand exposure to the elements. Then, he recruited his business crew, consisting of Russ Barnhart, Joey Jones and stepson Jonathan Herman, to help complete the project, along with some help from B&R Concrete, of McGregor.

“It was so much work but, watching it come together,  was wonderful. Brian had so much fun doing it,” noted Cathie Nelson, “and, within 10 minutes of the last instrument being put in place, there was already a group that showed up to play.”

“For us, seeing the excitement and enthusiasm [Brian] had with the planning, designing and building of this special place was out-of-sight,” Tom Nelson added. “Watching the pride you brought your mother and the dedication you made for your parents is that special touch that only you can bring.”

In the end, it turned out to be quite an attractive, ultramodern amenity for Prairie du Chien.

“It’s unique. It stands out. It will draw people to the gardens, which are already a wonderful part of our community,” Brian beamed. “It’s really great to see it done.”

“The name Harmony Gardens brings a continuity to what the Memorial Gardens are,” Tom Nelson said. “It’s also bringing more people into the gardens and that perfect harmonious sound for such a passive, quiet place.”

If you haven’t tried your hand on the instruments or taken your children or grandchildren to explore the Harmony Gardens, there is still time this season to experience the pure joy they offer.

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