Cheque from South Country Co-Op presented to the Helen Schuler Nature Centre

By Lara Fominoff

Renovations on the way

Helen Schuler Nature Centre receives $100,000 donation for outdoor learning facility

Jun 27, 2019 | 3:04 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The outdoor classroom just behind the newly renovated Helen Schuler Nature Centre has had its day and needs replacement. That’s according to Curtis Goodman, the centre’s Resource Development Coordinator.

So, over the last year, the Friend’s of Helen Schuler Nature centre, along with several local business partners, have raised more than $221,000 from seven different community partners to renovate and revitalize the space.

Of that money, $100,000 was donated by South Country Co-op. Marketing and Community Relations Manager Carmen Hudson says the decided to make the contribution because the venue benefits everyone.

“It’s not just a niche market or a unique market. It’s definitely something that has advantages right from pre-kindergarten right through to retirement age. And it’s such a spectacular, world-class venue to have in in this amazing city, down in the river valley, underneath the iconic train bridge. It’s absolutely a no-brainer to be a part of this.”

Goodman says the current outdoor space was constructed in the early 1980s and after 36 years it’s showing its wear and tear.

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“For those that have been on a program, you’ll know that it’s uncomfortable, it’s undersized and it’s certainly isn’t set up in a proper way for the type of programming that we’re doing today.”

One of the biggest goals in the renovation is to improve accessibility, says Goodman. Because there is a slope to the space, those who are mobility challenged or have strollers or walkers have a difficult time navigating the area.

“Beyond that, we’re looking at improved capacity. So, we can accommodate the size of classrooms or programs that are taking place here. And then aesthetics is the third big pillar. We have a beautiful, leed gold certified facility, and we want the outdoor space to match the indoor space.”

The final design consultations will take place throughout the summer, with construction beginning in 2020, and likely wrapping up near the end of next summer.