TD Outdoor Learning Centre
The Inglewood Bird Sanctuary is a special place for Calgarians of all ages. In 2014, Calgary Parks, with the help of the TD Bank Group, announced the addition of a new outdoor learning centre to make the sanctuary even more remarkable and unique. This outdoor classroom will allow Parks to expand its programs that teach children about nature and the environment.
In 2012, the sanctuary hosted over 30,000 children and adults through school and nature programs. Some of these programs were offered at a viewing platform that was destroyed in the 2013 flood. The learning centre will allow Parks to increase school program attendance, and will provide additional space for adult programs through an expanded season.
"The outdoor school at the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary will set the foundation for hundreds of Calgary children to foster an appreciation of nature in our urban environment, and will lead to healthier attitudes towards nature among generations to come” - Mayor Nenshi
It’s important to Calgary Parks to provide opportunities for children to go outside and to foster a love for nature. Spending time outdoors is a part of healthy childhood development. Children who are connected to nature have a better sense of the world around themselves. They not only reap benefits for their own well-being, but develop a better understanding of the impact of their actions on the environment.
About the learning centre
The outdoor learning centre is a small structure with special conservation features used to encourage the study of nature. The heavy timber structure will has a footprint slightly larger than a two-car garage, and will has been built in an area that was previously used for construction staging to ensure minimal impact to the sanctuary's birds and natural environment. Construction is complete and the space is now open for public use.