Assiniboine Park Conservancy hosts sod turning event marking the redevelopment of Assiniboine Park

June 04, 2010

Winnipeg - Hartley Richardson, Chair of Assiniboine Park Conservancy (APC), along with His Worship Mayor Sam Katz and the Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State for Democratic Reform and Member of Parliament for Charleswood-St.James-Assiniboia, today announced the development of a world class Playground and expanded Duck Pond facility in Assiniboine Park. The first phase of the park development plan is the Heart of the Park project estimated at $10 million, which includes a beautiful Nature and Adventure Playground, significantly enhanced Duck Pond and a new gathering place called the Family Centre.

Today we are celebrating the start of construction of the Nature & Adventure Playground and Duck Pond components. Funding received to date for the Heart of the Park project includes; $3.6 million from the City of Winnipeg, $1 million from the Government of Canada and $1.6 in private donations.

Quoting George Bernard Shaw, the noted Irish playwright wrote… “We do not stop playing because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing,” said Hartley Richardson, Chair of Assiniboine Park Conservancy. “Redeveloping the Playground and Duck Pond, are the first of many such announcements designed to restore, enhance and preserve this wonderful green space. We are encouraged by this positive start and we will continue reaching out to the community for the remaining $4 million in order to complete the full Heart of the Park project,” added Richardson.

The new playground will be a place filled with wonder… tree forts, birds nest swings, willow tree tunnels, hedges, mazes and sculptures, a children’s garden resembling the classic board game snakes and ladders featuring winding snake paths, topiaries, family picnic areas, jumping blocks coupled with climbing ladders with views to a secret garden full of hidden treasures… a sand and water play area to dig and build in, while a stream, traversable by stepping stones, will encourage exploration… or the hummocks, a series of hills that call children to climb, jump, roll and run, dotted with colourful bouncy rubber climbing bumps. And in the winter months the area will remain active and alive transformed into a world class toboggan run, outdoor fire pits, ice sculptures and snow forts, ensuring the area will engage, educate and entertain regardless of the time of the year.

Next to the Playground a new and expanded Duck Pond, home to the parks growing waterfowl population, will feature interactive opportunities for families and school groups to learn about pond life, ecology and freshwater preservation. Twice the current size, easily accessible without restrictive fencing, the Duck Pond will feature a distinct recreation area with small islands, stepping stones, pond life interpretive programs in the summer and will transform into a greatly expanded outdoor skating facility in the winter months.

“This first phase of redevelopment in the Heart of the Park will be a gathering place for families, all free for the public to enjoy,” said Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz. “By working in partnership with Assiniboine Park Conservancy, we will ensure Assiniboine Park remains a treasured jewel within our city, attracting Winnipeggers, Manitobans and visitors alike for years to come.”

“We are delighted to be involved in the exciting transformation of the Playground and Duck Pond at Assiniboine Park,” said the Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State for Democratic Reform and Member of Parliament for Charleswood-St.James-Assiniboia, “Assiniboine Park has been a gathering place for generations and we look forward to like announcements in the future,” added Fletcher.

Construction on both will begin immediately with the Playground scheduled for completion late summer 2010 and Duck Pond expansion scheduled for completion this winter.

For more information contact Lorne Perrin, Vice President Marketing and Park Services at 204-927-6014 or visit our website at www.assiniboinepark.ca.




Backgrounder:

Assiniboine Park Conservancy (APC) is the new, private-public, not-for-profit Corporation designed to operate Assiniboine Park independently from the City of Winnipeg. It was created in 2008 in response to Winnipeggers’ passion for the Park and the need for significant focused commitment and reinvestment. Charged with the responsibility of visioning, planning, building and governing, the Conservancy has developed a compelling strategic plan, supported by a comprehensive business plan to implement the Park’s development priorities. These plans include the structure, systems, processes, practices, and resources required to ensure the vision is realized and that a revitalized Assiniboine park is sustainable for generations to come. APC is governed by a passionate and dedicated group of community leaders, lead by Hartley Richardson. The Board of Directors is committed to transforming the Park for the enjoyment of people for decades to come. The Board will be actively inviting the broader community to share in the Park’s vision and success.