Hands of Friendship - Salmon Arm, British Columbia
Posted by: T0SHEA
N 50° 42.152 W 119° 16.606
11U E 339229 N 5619218
The Hands of Friendship petrosomatoglyph are located near the Friendship Gate on the south pathway in McGuire Lake Park. The park borders 6th Street W and 10th Street NE with easy access from Hwy. 1.
Waymark Code: WMQBKT
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Date Posted: 01/30/2016
Views: 2
We were pleased when we spotted this petrosomatoglyph. We wondered at the time, being it was so well done, who's handprints are they.
Thanks to the June 13, 2014 edition of the Salmon Arm Observer, we learned who they were;
From the article:
"Gate builders revisit structure
Mayor Nancy Cooper; Katsuo Yamaguchi, Kazuo Yamada, Kanane Itabashi, Doug Pearson and Makoto Sakamoto are ready to place their handprints in cement for a commemorative stone at the Japanese Friendship Gate which recognizes the sister city relationship with Inashiki, Japan. The Japanese men are the original builders of the gate and hold a picture of M. Nagaosa, who recently died. They are watched by Kazuko Sakamoto, who is standing under the shelter of the gate in McGuire Lake Park."
This is a wonderful park to visit, as you walk around the lake you will see large areas with lily pads, numerous ducks basking in the sun, a large seasonal fountain, and a Japanese Friendship Gate. There a also numerous benches most are dedicated and picnic tables to enjoy a pleasant afternoon.
There are paved walkways around the lake and suitable for wheelchairs.
This is a popular site for weddings and photos. Enjoy your visit and take advantage of all this park has to offer.