Since the start of COVID-19, hundreds of rocks hand-painted by residents have been popping up along local trails, pathways and sidewalks. The rocks display messages of hope, as well as gratitude for frontline and essential workers. 

To help support this community initiative as the Town of Whitby’s spring grass cutting operation gets underway, the municipality is creating three temporary local “rock gardens” where the rocks can be safely displayed. The rock gardens are located at Rotary Centennial Park (800 Brock Street South), Luther Vipond Memorial Arena (67 Winchester Road East) and Whitby Shores Greenway Gardens (across from 287 Whitby Shores Greenway.) See a map of the gardens here. Rocks left along trails and pathways can otherwise pose a safety risk to both the public and Town Operations crews as they work to care for the community.

Painted rocks previously placed by residents have been carefully moved by Town staff to these areas to be enjoyed by all. Residents wishing to display new painted rocks are encouraged to keep them on their private property or bring them to the “rock gardens” shown on the map.

The Town thanks residents for their cooperation and assistance.

For more information on the actions the Town is taking in response to COVID-19, visit whitby.ca/coronavirus.