Symphonic serenity

Ken Fleet’s motto was ‘sing your song’.

Whether he was teaching choral and instrumental students at Medway High School, conducting the Amabile Boys and Men’s Choirs, or preparing for national competitions – music fueled his soul.

A local music legend and a beloved husband, father, grandpa and brother-in-law, Ken passed away from the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s disease in 2019. But his name and motto now live on at the new sound garden at Parkwood Institute, thanks to a generous donation from John and Mary Smibert.

Friends since high school, Mary and Ken became family when he married Janet - Mary’s sister.

“Ken was gentle giant,” says Mary wiping a tear while recalling their family times together. “He loved his family, he loved sports and he loved music, and when you were with him, you could see his mind working through a musical score, or planning a concert.”

The Smiberts are longtime supporters of the Veterans Care Program. And when they learned about the plans for the sound garden, which will be used primarily by the veterans, they knew it was a perfect project to support and a special way to recognize Ken permanently.

“I think Ken would love the garden,” says Mary. “He would get so excited seeing people make music, and I know he would love to see the veterans playing the instruments and creating their own songs.”

A what-if idea comes to life

“Seeing the sound garden come together is really a dream come true,” says Anika Kawamura, music therapist in the Veterans Care Program.

Anika first conceived of the garden during the COVID-19 pandemic as restrictions created challenges for veterans to engage in group programming and enjoy social activity. Inspired by community instruments in public parks, she began researching environmental sensory-based music.

The dedicated music therapist wanted to create a fully accessible and inclusive space at Parkwood Institute, complete with weather resistant instruments, that would provide veterans opportunities for self-expression, relaxation, sensory exploration and social interaction – all while being outside in nature.

After chatting with her coordinator and submitting a request to St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation, Anika’s dream project became a reality.  

“It started as a what-if idea,” says Anika. “And it’s just been so exciting to see it come life.”

Veterans, their families and patients at Parkwood Institute can spend time together in the sound garden while enjoying various instruments including a xylophone, percussion instruments, contra-base toned chimes, and a steel drum.

“The instruments are designed so that there is no right or wrong way to play them,” says Anika. “We just want to create more opportunities for veterans to be outdoors, to interact with their families and each other, and to feel joy.”

Supporting Canada’s Veterans

“It’s important to us that the veterans are happy,” says John.

The Smibert family’s support of Canada’s veterans began with John’s father, who lost several friends during the Second World War. He was determined to assist those who returned and began by donating to the Salvation Army before pledging support to the Veterans Care Program. A veterans transport bus, the ultrasound suite, as well as renovations to several patient and visitor lounges at Parkwood Institute Main Building are just a few of the projects made possible by the Smibert family and their commitment to Canada’s veterans living at Parkwood Institute.

Today, John and Mary are building on that legacy with the creation of the sound garden.

“Everything I see around me is because of the veterans fighting to protect our way of life,” says John. “It’s why we give.”

A sound garden is an interactive musical space for people of all ages to explore and enjoy music in a natural outdoor setting. It promotes an immersive musical environment that, when combined with different sounds in nature, provides active and receptive opportunities for participation.