Big changes and new spaces have hit the river bottom of Indian Battle Park, with the grand re-opening of the Helen Schuler Nature Centre. The building has expanded to nearly double its former size with a grand cost of about $4.4 million. The majority of funding came from the City of Lethbridge with just over $400,000 from the Government of Canada’s Federal Gas Tax and an additional $13,472 from the Government of Canada’s Enabling Accessibility Fund.
The re-opening began on Feb. 27 and will run until March 8th. The re-opening will be host to a variety of events to showcase the new facility including tours, live music, prize draws, crafts and more.
There is still some work to be done outside including landscaping and work in the parking lot, pushing official ceremonies to June 6. It will also be a re-dedication of the building to it’s namesake, Helen Schuler. In the meantime, the new facility will host to all those who visit.
Becky Little, volunteer and resource development co-ordinator at Schuler says the centre delivers a wide variety of programs throughout its facilities. This includes a new exhibit gallery, volunteer room and “Prarie Roof” and patio.
“Our vision is to have a community that appreciates nature…By having a facility that can teach people about things they can do in their own homes to become more energy efficient or to help people understand and learn more about nature we hope to be a place that all people can enjoy well into the future,” says Little.
The facility has a current attendance of 30,000 visitors, approximately with 20,000 being youth. Little hopes that the new building is something that the 30,000 visitors can be proud of.
Currently the centre is host to exhibit “The World Under Your Feet” which teaches about soil. As well, permanent exhibits will be developed further, changes which will be shared with the community, shares Little.
As the centre re-opens its doors, visitors can find their way during the openings’ extended hours, excluding closure on Monday. To find out more information about the centre and what is currently offered you can also visit www.lethbridge.ca\hsnc.