New heritage centre at Park Homestead

By Ron Giofu

Representatives from the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) were joined by a small group of dignitaries in celebrating the grand opening of the new Heritage & Conservation Centre at the John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area.

The Stephanie & Barry Zekelman Foundation are major sponsors of the new facility, with ERCA noting the visitor experience begins with “a grand entrance” to The Stephanie & Barry Zekelman Foundation Welcome Centre, which includes the Town of Essex Tourism Hub. Expanded exhibit areas tell the story of the Homestead’s past, and the gift shop features beautiful handmade items from local artisans.

The Stephanie & Barry Zekelman Foundation Creative Commons is the centre’s main interior teaching space. It triples the site’s current teaching capacity, and assists in the delivery of programs where specialty equipment, such as microscopes, light tables and scientific specimens, is utilized.

The Creative Commons also provides an exhibit area where educational displays and sensitive historical artifacts can be displayed in climate-con- environment, ERCA noted. The Stephanie & Barry Zekelman Foundation Creative Commons will be used to interpret the western basin of Lake Erie and the significance of the natural coastal processes on the region’s local environments.

ERCA pointed out the Toldo Foundation Outdoor Classroom and Wildlife Viewing Area will allow thousands of students and visitors to take in the historic outbuildings, heritage gardens and orchard, and the best vantage point of the western basin of Lake Erie.

The building includes an energy-efficient lighting system, made possible with a grant from Farm Credit Canada. It will also function as a centralized location for flood forecasting operations so that ERCA may continue to deliver the important Flood Advisory Program on behalf of the Province of Ontario.

ERCA chair Tania Jobin said it was hard to believe when a small group gathered roughly one year ago to break ground for “this community jewel.” She said last August, it was thought a return to normalcy was “just around the corner.”

“Despite the ongoing challenges the community and the world has faced over this year-and-a-half, we were forced to make changes to everything we do,” she said. “What has remained constant is the community’s value of this special space.”

Jobin thanked the donors and contributors who stepped forward to assist with the construction of the building.

“At a time when connection to the outdoors and the need for innovative learning spaces has never been more important, the Toldo Foundation is proud to support the Essex Region Conservation Foundation and our students of all ages in the creation of a unique and environmentally conscious learning space,” said Alex Toldo, a trustee with the Toldo Foundation.

Toldo said the ability for children to come outside to learn is something he looks forward to seeing.

“I think it’s fantastic for our community, it’s good for our children and I’m looking forward to seeing it,” said Toldo.

The Heritage & Conservation Centre received a $600,000 grant from theCanadian Experiences Fund and Claire Wales, president of the Essex Region Conservation Foundation, noted donors not only matched that, but ended up contributing $775,000.

“Preserving our region’s heritage is one of the key focus areas for the Essex Region ConservationFoundation. We are so thankful to the many supporters who have demonstrated their love of the John R. Park Homestead and its ability to bring history to life. Their generous contributions have allowed this beautiful, accessible and innovative Heritage and Conservation Centre to be built for all to experience,” said Wales.

The Conservation Area is open to the public Tuesday-Friday from 11 a.m.– 7 p.m., and weekends 11 a.m.–6 p.m. during the summer months.