The Friends is pleased to announce that it has been a successful applicant for a grant from the Federal Government’s Regional Tourism Organization for Eastern Ontario, RTO9 in support of its fundraising initiative for an Outdoor Classroom.  This new structure will expand the Park’s current facilities for training – both for visiting school groups, and for the many wilderness skills training activities and events offered at the Park. The award of $80,000 will contribute significantly to the construction costs of the new building.  

 

The Friends’ grant application stressed the special qualities of Frontenac Park to provide opportunities for the young and those new or even experienced in the outdoors to enhance their appreciation and understanding of the natural environment and human history of the area.  The Park’s location in a UNESCO World Heritage area and as an International Birding and Biodiversity Area brings it national and international attention.  The new outdoor classroom will substantially expand the Park’s capacity to accommodate educational programmes and events in all weathers for all age groups,  Student programmes such as the “Classroom without Walls” will benefit through more teaching space and weather protection.  The many training programmes offered at the Park in natural and human history, and in outdoor travel skills can be expanded and enhanced, and the Friends events which bring more visitors to the Park will be better accommodated.

 

Construction of the outdoor classroom is already in progress with completion of the main structure in prospect by the end of the year.  There is still more funding need to provide furniture and fixtures, so donations are gratefully received.  We hope to have the classroom ready for use in the spring.