(Marion Park) & (Keith Coffin Educational Nature Trail)
Box 5521 RR# 5, Charlottetown Prince Edward Island, Canada 902-569-4370
Mission Statement
(Marion Park) & (Keith Coffin Educational Nature Trail)
Marion Park:
The park, to be named Marion Park, will be built in memory of Marion Ross, who even with a debilitating heart condition enjoyed the outdoors. The Co-operative therefore, is dedicated to the improving of the ability of the physically challenged and seniors to become more involved in experiencing nature by providing facilities that would otherwise be denied those with limited faculties. These facilities will be limited in providing modern conveniences, as the main idea is to experience nature and to educate.
Clearing:
The original clearing of the wooded area would serve a double purpose, that of utilizing the logs for the campsites platforms and in the case of difficult areas of traverse, construction of ramps and bridges. This would make it more accessible to the physically impaired.
Land will be partially cleared for the construction of camping facilities. These facilities will include platforms accessible by wheelchairs. These platforms will allow the setting up of tents above ground level that will enable those using them to experience nature close-up. Each site will have a cold water supply and a personal toilet.
All washrooms will be accessible to everyone and will include hot and cold running water for showers, toilets and sinks. These facilities in conjunction with the kitchen facilities will be the only modern conveniences available, again to strengthen the bond with a natural environment. This stage of the development will not be available until the rest of the facilities are utilized to what would be expected as near potential.
The center and focal point of the facilities will be a large hall styled in Aboriginal fashion allowing a large number to congregate for educational activities.
The Central Lodge will allocate a space for emergency services on a First Aid level only. It would not be feasible to provide medical treatment facilities or professional staff on a full time basis. However, it is expected that professional staffing would be provided on a volunteer basis.
The trail will be cut through the woods in such a way as to enable wheelchairs and seniors to negotiate the routes and still provide a natural environment. Although professional naturalists would not be on staff, the park would be open to all naturalists who, it is expected, would pass on their expertise to the camp. The park would seek the advice of these professionals in the planning stages of development. As in the main clearing, the wood salvaged from this construction will be utilized to the best use.
It has been the history of new construction that consultants from off-Island would be brought in to advise how construction should be carried out. But as history has shown, Prince Edward island is unique in many ways and It would be expected that only Prince Edward Island advisors would be contacted in the development and construction stages as they have the knowledge to ensure mistakes would not be made or less costly than non-residents advice. The construction would follow the advice given by the naturalists whose knowledge of Prince Edward Island’s natural habitat would prevail. {Not to mention volunteers}
Personnel to supervise this facility will be on a volunteer basis except for two to three paid personnel to ensure the maintenance of the park would be kept to the high standards expected of such a facility.
Northport Cooperative Inc.:
Will endeavor to raise funding for the project through a variety of means including but not restricted to the sale of raffles, the sale of items that are donated for the purpose of raising money for this project, and the operation of such businesses as seen consistent with the goals and operation of the Cooperative.
C E O:
Gene Gallant
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