Assiniboine Park gets $1M donation

The Winnipeg Foundation has given Assiniboine Park agift of$1 million to help with its major redevelopment.

The money, which willbe paid out during thenext five years,will specifically be used for theHeart of the Park project, whichincludes a children's nature and adventure playground, a newly-expanded duck pond and the building of a multi-purpose family centre.

The duck pond, which has been increased to more than twice its former size, is now open. During winter months it is a skating rink.

The playground is set to open this spring while the multi-purpose centre is slated for a fall 2011 opening.

The proposed park plan calls for $200 million worth of redevelopmentbetween 2010 and 2020.

The plan also includes a rushing river for tubing and updates to zoo animal enclosures, a new conservatory,anda world-class polar bearexhibit and International Polar Bear Conservation Centre.

"We couldnt be happier that The Winnipeg Foundation believes in the bold new vision for the Park and its financial commitment will go a long way to making it happen," Margaret Redmond, president andCEO of the Assiniboine Park Conservancy, stated in a news release.