Her vision and enthusiasm was infectious and thus the transformation of the park took place.
Under her guidance a few people set to cleaning and clearing a huge area of quarry. But as time went on small areas emerged from the rubble and more volunteers and garden enthusiasts began to create their individual areas of expertise like roses, orchids or herbs with the list always continuing to grow.
Te Puna Quarry Park president Ian Cross said the park was "an absolute mess" when he attended that first volunteer day.
"It was full of gorse and pine trees, it was a rubbish dump. The change we see today is unbelievable. It's been a fabulous journey," he told The Bay of Plenty Times from the park.
Mr Cross said tens of thousands of people would visit the park each year which also doubled as a venue for weddings, musical events, a stunning area for picnics and walks and much more.
Each Tuesday, a dedicated team of about 25 volunteers still got together to keep the park in top condition, but the park wasalways after more volunteers to join in the fun.
Mr Cross said Te Puna Quarry also featured a new sculpture which the park and Creative Bay of Plenty funded together.
Volunteer Jo Dawkins said she loved the magnolia and maple section of the park which had been planted over the years.
"It's such a wonderful place, especially for children and families to come and venture together," she said.
"People love the freedom the park has, the nature of it. There are no concrete edges and paths. It's just natural."
Beth Bowden, daughter of Shirley Sparks, said the quarry was a place of stories.
"Everybody comes here and makes their own stories, and that will continue as time goes on as we all hoped it would."
