Henteleff Park Foundation continues to pay tribute to the area’s rich history with the official opening of the park’s new Interpretive Centre on Saturday, August 27 at 1:00 pm.
In keeping with the Foundation’s overall objective of its park being a place of both serenity and learning, the Interpretive Centre will focus on four themes. It will showcase the unique natural landscape, plant and bird life that inhabit the park; pay tribute to the major role that Métis families played in settling and developing the community; highlight the history of market gardening in the area, and share the Henteleff family story and the contributions they made along with other Jewish farm families in Manitoba in the development of the community.
“There are so many interesting stories that need to be shared,” says Yude Henteleff, President Emeritus, Henteleff Park Foundation. “They are important to the fabric of our community and can’t afford to be lost. As custodians of this information, it is up to us to preserve history for our children and future generations.”
Located at the park’s entrance at 1964 St. Mary’s Road and near the original homestead of the Henteleff family, the Interpretive Centre will feature a Shelter Building that will display panels of information that will lead to a new circular pathway with additional information panels, all-weather notebooks, new bench seating and landscaping.
Since the Henteleff Park Foundation was established in 2002, a city-wide network of dedicated volunteers have worked tirelessly to make the Henteleff Park dream happen. Volunteers over the last 10 years have planted over 5000 trees and shrubs, have established 3 km of trails, have raised funds to rehabilitate Normand Creek so it is now an excellent spawning creek, and have sustained the efforts of the Henteleff Park Foundation to ensure the park is a place of beauty.
The official ceremony and dedication of the Interpretive Centre will acknowledge the significant financial assistance provided by donors from across Canada, the City of Winnipeg, Province of Manitoba, Winnipeg Foundation and Jewish Foundation of Manitoba as well as the volunteers from across Winnipeg who collectively have helped the dream become a reality.
Under normal circumstances, Henteleff Park is busiest in the summer. This summer Henteleff Park has been outrageously busy. In addition to the construction of the Interpretive Centre, the Park had four summer employees who were hired under the Federal Government’s Canada Summer Jobs program which is part of Terry Duguid’s (Lib, Winnipeg South) portfolio. Under the expert supervision of Marilyn Latta, the four employees – Megan Ferely, Daniel Nemez, Audrey Chojko-Bolec and Joseph Fofana – watered trees, hacked thistle, cut grass, pulled burdock, chopped spurge and spread wood chips on the trails among a myriad of other responsibilities. The result of their labours has been fantastic. The park, though always beautiful, has never looked better. To this end, credit must also be extended to the City of Winnipeg’s Parks East department under the management of Karl Thordarson for the regular grass cutting and its support in the care of Henteleff Park.
As it is already August and the summer days are drawing to a close we look forward to the beautiful fall colours of the many variety of trees and shrubs of the park and we welcome all to enjoy Henteleff Park.
Best regards,
Saul Henteleff, Chair, Henteleff Park Foundation
It’s very special to have ones dream realized. The opening of the Interpretive Centre at Henteleff Park is that realization for me. It has taken the volunteer efforts of so many to accomplish our objective and our heartfelt thanks to all. Sharing all the history and accompanying stories with generations yet to come was our objective and it will be a continuing one for those that carry on the work of the Henteleff Foundation at Henteleff Park. It was for all of us on the HPF Board, a privilege and pleasure, as I have no doubt it will be for our successors.
Yude Henteleff
President Emeritus, Henteleff Park Foundation
As the MLA for Riel, I am deeply honoured to have this new Henteleff Park Interpretive Centre in my constituency. I want to thank Yude Henteleff and his entire team for their tireless efforts in creating this new Interpretive Centre, and also for all the work they’ve done in developing a forested sanctuary right here in the heart of Riel.
I look forward to attending the grand opening of the new Interpretive Centre and hope to see many friends and neighbours on the trails throughout the season. Best wishes and congratulations on making this dream become a reality.
The Honourable Rochelle Squires
Minister of Sport, Culture & Heritage, MLA Riel
Congratulations to the Henteleff Park Foundation on the culmination of their incredible vision, which I have been pleased to support for many years. Winnipeg is very fortunate to have this network of dedicated volunteers who have worked tirelessly to make the Henteleff Park dream and Interpretive Centre a reality. Their journey and legacy will benefit future generations who will continue to enjoy this ecological gem for years to come.
Councillor Janice Lukes, South Winnipeg-St. Norbert Ward
See you Saturday!
To commemorate the day, we will have some items for sale!
T-Shirts – $20 each
Umbrellas – $20 each
Cash or cheques accepted. Thanks.
On this pleasant evening stroll, we will walk through the park along the developed trails, view the prairie restoration, flowers, trees, butterflies, insects and wildlife. Join us and bring your curiousity!
Grab a shovel, some work gloves, your friends, family and neighbours, and come plant a few trees and bushes with us!