DID YOU KNOW
That the Parks' system is operated by the Parks and Protection Division of The Metropolitan Corporation of Greater Winnipeg?
That the Parks and Protection Division is responsible not only for parks, golf courses, and the Zoo, but also for weed control, mosquito abatement, and emergency measures?
That the Metro area is divided into four park districts and that each district is a self-contained unit responsible for the maintenance of all parks and boulevards within its area?
That the acreage of Metro parks and golf courses has more than doubled since 1961, from 1,000 acres to over 2,200 acres?
That the Park properties along our rivers have doubled since 1961, from 9.49 miles to 20.19 miles of riverbank?
That the Parks and Protection Division requires 127 permanent and up to seasonal employees to adequately maintain park properties and to provide proper services to the public?
That only 13 employees administer the above work-force and operations?
That Metro parks are open until 10:00 p.m. during the winter and until 11:00 p.m. during the summer months?
DID YOU KNOW
That Assiniboine Park was first opened to the public on Victoria Day in 1909?
That Assiniboine Park and Zoo covers an area of 375 acres?
That the first Pavilion was built in 1908 and was destroyed by fire in 1929?
That the present Assiniboine Park Pavilion
That over one-half million vehicles have been counted entering Assiniboine Park annually during the snow-free season?
That the English Garden, for over 40 years, is the finest horticultural display on the Prairies?
That the English Garden is visited by up to 200,000 annually?
That the "Boy with the Boot", at the entrance to the English Garden, was created in the 19th century somewhere in Europe and has ten doubles on the North American continent?
That the Duck Pond was built in 1908 and has been used for skating since 1968 by up to 46,000 people annually?
Than the old Cricket Pavilion had been in existence for 55 years until it was replaced by a new building used for the field hockey events of the 1967 Pan-American Games?
That 25-cent pony rides are available during the summer months, just outside the main Entrance to the Zoo?
That a miniature train, with steam locomotive, is providing 25-cent rides at Assiniboine Park, between April and October?
That Locomotive No. 6043 displayed at Assiniboine Park was built in 1929 had pulled the last regular schedule, steam-powered C.N.R. train on Apr. 23, 1960?
That 50,000 people are using the picnic facilities at Assiniboine Park annually?
DID YOU KNOW
That the original Palm House opened in 1947?
That the north and south wings were added in 1917 and 1923 respectively?
That the adjoining coffee house and patio were constructed in 1964 and 1967?
That the new Conservatory was begun in 1969 and was constructed over and around the old building before demolition was begun?
That the new building was opened on June 26, 1970?
That the building measures 70 feet by 100 feet by 42 feet high, and cost $652,000?
That the Conservatory contains 8,000 plants in 100 different species?
That the largest specimen is a 65-year-old Norfolk pine tree?
That date palms, banana trees, Japanese orange tree and fig trees are among the most unusual specimens on display?
That adjoining the Conservatory is a display house with changing floral exhibits throughout the year?
That a sunken area serves as a field classroom or for horticultural meetings, etc.?
That the Conservatory complex includes four well equipped greenhouses serving as production areas for the 150,000 bedding plants used annually in Metro parks and on some boulevards?
DID YOU KNOW
That the early beginning of our Zoo dates back as far as 1904?
That 90 acres are available for Zoo development, 40 acres of which are now completed?
That the Zoo remains open year-round and that most fur-bearing animals look their best during the winter months?
That the Zoo is open to the public daily from 10:00 a.m. until one-half hour before sunset?
That more than 1,800,000 people visit Assiniboine Park Zoo annually?
That our Zoo is one of the few animal exhibits in the world where no admission is charged?
That 760 animals can be seen at the Zoo, representing 166 different species?
That 28 permanent staff members are employed at the Zoo, augmented by 25 temporary employees during the summer months?
That "The Carousel", built in 1968, is a 40-seat coffee shop providing fast food as well fast service through extensive outside service counters?
That the money from the donation boxes at the Zoo is set aside for future Zoo development?
That wheel chairs and children's push carts are available free of charge for Zoo visitors?
That the following materials are required annually for the animals at our Zoo?
That some species of our Northern hoofed animals are not exhibited anywhere else in Canada, such as the Siberian Roe Deer, Mongolian Saiga Antelope, and Goitred Gazelle?
That several mammals and birds have successfully reproduced in Assiniboine Park Zoo, but not in any other Canadian collection, such as Siberian Tigers, Chinese Leopards, Binturongs, Vicunias, Parma Wallabies, and Demoiselle Cranes?
That about 200 guided tours are provided at the Zoo annually, by appointment, for school classes and service organizations?
That the construction of a Tropical House, displaying many exotic animals plants, will commence in 1971?
DID YOU KNOW
That over 375,000 vehicles have been counted entering Kildonan Park annual-the snow-free months?
That the predecessor to the Kildonan Park Pavilion was built in 1915 for "extravagant" cost of $13,000, and served Park visitors for almost one-half century?
That the new Pequis Pavilion was opened to the public in 1966 and has a combination dining-room/coffee-shop seating capacity to serve up to 120 people?
That the popular pond and surroundings of the Pavilion were designed and landscaped by the Parks Department staff between 1966 and 1968?
That the attractively landscaped setting of the Pavilion serves as photographic background for up to 12 wedding parties per summer weekend?
That the Pavilion pond is used as a popular skating area by 35,000 - 40,000 annually?
That the barbecue facilities at Kildonan Park are used by 35,000 annually?
That reservations for group picnics are made annually, serving over 27,000 people?
That 15,000 tulip bulbs are planted annually in the formal garden and near the Pavilion, for an unsurpassed spring flower display?
That Canada's only outdoor theatre acquired a unique new roof in 1970 to protect spectators, and yet so designed as to retain the outdoor effect?
That Rainbow Stage has a seating capacity of over 3,000?
That Rainbow Stage, Inc., a summer-theatre group, presents two musicals each summer at Rainbow Stage?
That the swimming pool in Kildonan Park, which was opened in 1966, complies with Olympic standards (25 x 55 yards)?
That the swimming pool is open, from the third week in June to the first week in September: week-days from 12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m.; and week-ends including holidays, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.?
That the swimming pool is used by over 68,000 people during one summer season?
That a children's wading pool is available near the swimming pool at Kildonan Park?
That an intimate, fairy-land atmosphere has been created around the "Witches Hut" in Kildonan Park?
DID YOU KNOW
That open fires are allowed in specially provided fire pits at LaBarriere and Kildonan Parks only?
That barbecues are available in all major parks? (Please bring your own fuel.)
That group barbecues can be held during the winter months at Kildonan Park? (Please call district office for arrangements.)
That reservations for group picnics can be made, except on week-ends, at the park district offices? (Please consult your telephone directory.)
That picnic shelters in Metro parks cannot be reserved, but are used on a first-come, first-served basis?
That a total of seven picnic shelters are available at the following Metro parks?:
That hot water is available at Assiniboine and Kildonan Parks' picnic grounds?
That Parks' caterer is equipped to serve large, group picnics?
DID YOU KNOW
That nine toboggan slides are located in six Metro parks (Assiniboine, Kildonan, St. Vital, Crescent Drive, Westview, and Fraser's Grove Parks) and are used by 118,000 persons annually?
That public washroom facilities are available near the skating ponds at Assiniboine and Kildonan Parks?
That four ponds are available in Metro parks for pleasure skating (Assiniboine, Kildonan, St. Vital, and a rink at Fraser's Grove Park) and are used by up to 107,000 people annually?
That toboggan slides and skating ponds in Metro parks are open Monday through Thursday, from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday and Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.?
That no charges are made for the use of toboggan slides and skating ponds?
That sleigh rides are available at Assiniboine Park? (Please contact the Pony Corral Ltd. at 786-2694 or 339-7270.)
DID YOU KNOW
That four public golf courses are operated by the Parks and Protection Division?
That over 3.87 million golfers have used Metro courses since they have been opened?
That fire-places form part of the attractive golf houses at all four Metro courses?
That John Blumberg Golf Course consists of a 9-hole course and a championship 18-hole course, both situated on a 193-acre site?
That a Pro Shop is located at John Blumberg Golf Pavilion?
That fairways, greens, and tees at John Blumberg Golf Course are watered by 750 sprinkler heads and 66,000 feet of underground pipe?
That Crescent Drive Golf Course is the only 9-hole, Par 3 course (1,388 yards) in the Metro area?
That Crescent Drive Golf Course is used for 35,000 - 40,000 games annually and is favoured by beginners, ladies, senior citizens, as well as business men who cannot afford more than an hour and one-half for their favourite sport?
That since its opening in 1921, an average of 41,600 games have been played at Kildonan Golf Course every season?
DID YOU KNOW
That the 3-acre lake in St. Vital Park
That Metro Winnipeg's first public boat ramp was constructed in 1967, located at Crescent Drive Park in Fort Garry, and is used, free of charge, by up to 2,000 small craft annually?
That the boat ramp at Crescent Drive Park is open daily during the summer months, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.? (No overnight docking is permitted.)
That LaBarriere Park, near St. Norbert, consists of 290 acres of natural park land, located in a beautiful setting on the banks of the LaSalle River?
That a designated bicycle path is available at Churchill Drive Park, along the Red River?
That the "Showmobile", a trailer with a 16 x 32-foot stage, is used for summer band concerts in different Metro parks?
That all food service facilities in Metro parks are operated by an approved catering firm?
That the food service and catering facilities at Pequis Pavilion in Kildonan Park, Assiniboine Park Pavilion, Assiniboine Park Conservatory, and John Blumberg Golf Course are rented for meetings, receptions, etc.?
That arrangements for banquets, receptions, or luncheons at Metro facilities should be made through the head office? (Please call 942-0711.)
DID YOU KNOW
That 171 push-type lawn mowers and 69 tractor-mowers are required for the maintenance of Metro parks and boulevards?
That the largest lawn mower operated by the Parks Department is the "Big Jake", with a 17-foot cutting width?
That 42 tractors and 45 trucks are necessary for the maintenance and services provided by the Parks and Protection Division?
That all permanent employees of the Parks and Protection Division wear distinctive green uniforms for easy identification, if their assistance or advice is required?
That most permanent employees are first-aid certificate holders and have first-aid supplies available?
That information on articles lost in parks can obtained from the park yard office?
That the use of fields and other park facilities for organized sports require permission from the head office? (Please call 942-0711.)
DID YOU KNOW
That over 45,000 trees and shrubs have been planted since 1963 on parkland and boulevards under Metro's jurisdiction?
That over 700 large trees (up to 12-inch trunk diameter) have been transplanted since 1966, with the Metro tree mover?
That up to $16,000 worth of woody ornamentals are purchased annually from commercial nurseries for planting on parks' properties and boulevards?
That a Parks Department tree nursery is required as a receiving and holding nursery?
That an average of 2,100 trees are planted annually throughout the Metro parks' system?
That an average of 5,000 woody ornamentals are planted annually throughout the Metro Parks' system?
That an arboretum is planned at Heubach Park in Tuxedo?
DID YOU KNOW
That 1,165 acres (227 miles) of boulevards and bridge interchanges are maintained on Metro streets?
That over 10,000 trees are located on boulevards of Metro streets?
That an average of 1,200 trees are planted annually on boulevards on Metro streets?
That up to 1,500 boulevard trees are being pruned annually by the staff of the Parks Department?
That, annually, up to 225 trees are destroyed by accident or vandalism, requiring replacements at a cost of over $5,000?
That boulevards on Metro streets are being kept green with the help of 485,000 feet (91.2 miles) of underground piping and over 29,500 sprinkler heads?
That an average of 9.3 cents per square yard is required for the maintenance of turf and trees on boulevards?
That up to 20,000 lineal feet of polyethylene film is placed on boulevards' edges every fall in order to protect the grass from salt damage?
That inviting patios, with rest benches and flower planters, are provided for pedestrians on the wide medians of Broadway and Provencher Boulevard?
That the Metro bridge interchange of the St. James and St. Vital Bridges have received horticultural beautification treatment, second to none in Canada?
That the circular fountain at the St. James Interchange consists of 43 jet sprays, which are wind-velocity controlled and colourfully lighted at night?
That a unique reflecting fountain has been dedicated, November 1970, on Broadway commemorating Manitoba's Centennial Year and the 50th Anniversary of the first supply of water to Greater Winnipeg from Shoal Lake?
DID YOU KNOW
That the Metro Weed Control Branch is responsible for weed control enforcement within the entire Greater Winnipeg area, since 1965, by authority of the Manitoba Noxious Weeds Act? As of 1971, twenty-six square miles of land, west beyond the St. James-Assiniboia boundary to Headingley, will also be included in operations?
That five weed inspectors are employed during the summer to check the Metro area for weed problems?
That only on land not sub-divided, personal weed notices are forwarded to the property-owner?
That weeds may be destroyed by the Weed Control Branch on any residential or industrial, sub-division lot, after official notice has been issued in local newspapers?
That the Weed Control Branch recorded 1,424 weed complaints in the year 1970?
That weeds were destroyed on 3,854 lots and 2,880 acres in 1970?
That 1,350 acres of Metro parks and golf courses are sprayed annually with 2,4-D, primarily for control of dandelions?
That 1,300 acres of Metro boulevards and rights-of-way are sprayed annually with 2,4-D, primarily for dandelion control?
That dandelion is the most serious weed species to be found in Metropolitan Winnipeg, and one of the easiest to control, with 2,4-D?
That Poison Ivy, causing skin disorders, can be easily controlled by spraying with Amitrol, preferably in the second half of the month of June?
That the Great Ragweed, causing hayfever, can be controlled easily by early spraying with 2,4-D?
That Canada and Sow Thistle can be controlled by spraying with 2,4-D, preferably prior to the middle of July?
That Chickweed and Creeping Charlie can be controlled by applying herbicide mixtures containing Mecoprop, Fenoprop, and Banvel?
DID YOU KNOW
That 25 to 30 different species of mosquitoes are found in the Greater Winnipeg area, but only the females are bothersome?
That the mosquito control in Greater Winnipeg is carried out by the Mosquito Abatement Branch, over an area of 256 square miles?
That 16 different chemicals in liquid and granular form are used for mosquito control, depending on the season of the year and the stage of the mosquito's development?
That D.D.T. has been phased out for all mosquito control in the Greater Winnipeg area?
That trucks, boats, planes, and hand foggers are used for mosquito control in the Metro area?
That the elimination of large and small bodies of standing water would greatly reduce the mosquito population?
That densely populated areas are fogged 11 times between May and September of each year?
That all nuisance grounds, stock-Yards, and sewage lagoons, within the Metro area, are sprayed or fogged twice a week during summer months?
That Metro parks and golf courses are fogged five to six times per week during the summer months?
That all fogging in residential areas is done after 11:00 p.m. and that local police departments are informed of the routes to be taken by the fogging machines?
That weather factors, such as rainfall, temperature, and wind, influences greatly the severity of the annual mosquito problem?
That the Mosquito Abatement Branch has a permanent staff of six men and up to 36 seasonal employees?
DID YOU KNOW
That "Emergency Measures" is government and people working together to alleviate the effects of any major disaster?
That by an act of the Manitoba Legislature, the Council of The Metropolitan Corporation of Greater Winnipeg is given the responsibility to plan for all classes of major emergencies affecting Metro Winnipeg?
That Metro E.M.O. has an establishment of only four permanent employees?
That Metro E.M.O. has provided equipment which permits all Greater Winnipeg police departments to operate on a common two-way radio network, in case of major crimes or emergencies?
That the E.M.O. two-way radio network has been extended to 47 vehicles of the Parks and Protection Division, to assist in the staff's daily operation as well as in readiness for emergencies?
That Metro E.M.O. personnel attend up to 170 planning meetings annually with Federal, Provincial, and Municipal emergency services. personnel and officials?
That Metro E.M.O. has worked with the municipal fire and police departments, as well as the Department of Transport, to establish procedures in the event of the crash of a commercial aircraft in the Greater Winnipeg area?
That 33 radiation monitoring posts have been established in conjunction with Greater Winnipeg fire departments, providing complete coverage of the Metro area, for fall-out reporting?
That Metro E.M.O. has cooperated with all hospitals in the formulation of disaster plans, to take care of large numbers of casualties as the result of a local disaster?
That Manitoba Boganeers, a snowmobile organization of approximately 60 members, is affiliated with Metro E.M.O. to assist in the event of a blizzard or major snowstorm?
That pamphlets covering emergency measures, such as "Eleven Steps to Survival", are available without charge from the Metro Emergency Measures Organization, 1767 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg 12 -- Telephone: 888-23517?
That training and public information programs are conducted by Metro E.M.O., involving up to 20,000 people annually?
That the transfer of patients to new hospitals in Greater Winnipeg has been organized by and carried out with the assistance of Metro E.M.O. communications volunteers?
That Metro Transit buses are available as emergency ambulances for up to 12 stretchers each, after minor modifications are made within one-half hour's notice?
Parks & Protection Division,March, 1971