The future Ian Fowler Oval, next to the downtown events centre, is being applauded by many.
Widow Susan Fowler says it is a very fitting tribute, “The girls and I feel that the naming of this space as the Ian Fowler oval is a very fitting tribute to his legacy. We hope so much that it will be a space to be enjoyed by all Monctonians and visitors alike for the years to come. Ian would be so glad that it’s a public space for everyone to be able to enjoy. I’m sure he would be humbled to think that his vision for the city that some of the initiatives that he has been involved in are being acknowledged this way.”
The construction of the Ian Fowler Oval is being supported by a $1.1 million donation from Jon and Leslie Manship for infrastructure improvements.
Susan says, “I realise there are those who question the value of the plaza, including some of my very close friends who say it should be for parking. I hope when the space is complete that they will see it isn’t just there to make the events centre more attractive. It not being simply built for people to admire. It is part of a plan for this continued revitalization of the downtown, to make it a people place, where people want to live and play as well as work.”
Fowler worked as a longtime General Manager of Economic Development, Tourism and Culture for the City of Moncton. He passed away in 2011.