WCRHP CIPA Project

Project Community Impact

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Project Cost

Project Scope

Project Funding

Project Timeline

Background

Opening Date

About Howard Lyttle Park

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In 2007 the Squamish Lions built a three car and one engine wooden Train from online purchased plans and placed it in the middle of the Howard Little Park at the WCRHP in Squamish. The wooden train was enjoyed by thousands of kids for three years until, in 2012, the wooden train was decommissioned and removed due to deterioration. Many missed the wooden train area. In an effort to provide some educational object for the children to play on, a ‘speeder’ was put in its place with hopes that a wooden train could be built once again. In 2013, the Squamish Lions approached the Squamish Savings Community Partner Board to provide funding to back the newly branded Children Interactive Play Area (CIPA) project. With a budget of $12,000, the Lions aimed high to build something more than what was there before. Working off of the original blueprints, the Lions wanted to build the new play area using locally sourced wood and hardware. The Lions wanted to incorporate educational signage along with the play area to elevate awareness of the importance of the railway to the building of Squamish and western Canada. It is through this signage and interactive play area that the Squamish Lions saw a learning tool that could be used as part of a curriculum delivered through the wonderful volunteer network at the Heritage Park during school tours and family visits.

Opening Date: June 7, 2014

The WCRHP CIPA will include a play structure containing an engine, a tender, and two to four cars assembled to resemble a train ‘consist’. The structure will be primarily built from locally sourced wood with all finished hardware and structures meeting code for playground use and safety. There will be storyboard in front of the train outlining the key elements of the learning area. School groups will use the CIPA to discuss physical characteristics of a train, history of trains, the importance of the railway in the building of Western Canada, as well as present day railway safety (in partnership with CN).

Project Cost: $12,000

• Secure space at WCRHP – Spring 2013 • Purchase of blue print plans – Fall 2013 • Source and purchase raw wood – December 2013 • Dry wood/source hardware – Jan-Feb 2014 • Consult Lawyers – Feb 2014 • Develop learning criteria/signage – March 2014 • Build structure – March-May 2014 • Landscape – May 2014 • Grand opening – Day Out With Thomas 2014 (June 7, 2014)

There are a number of ways that this project and its associated educational components benefits our community: • Increase repeat tourism by enhancing visitor experience at the WCRHP • Reduce railway based accidents with children and youth through CIPA’s    involvement in teaching railway safety • Increase profitability of a community not for profit by offering visitors to the    park additional learning activities •Increase knowledge of railway history •Increase knowledge of the mechanics of how trains work •Increase interest in the railway industry as a career •Increase active membership in Squamish Lions Club – in turn increasing the   number of services the Lions can provide the community • Provide relief for visiting families who need a safe and reliable place for their    children to play • A safe place for families to come and relax while learning • A gathering place for community spirit and sharing

Project Funding provided courtesy

Howard Lyttle Park Named after a long time rail enthusiast who was instrumental in helping with the formation of Rocky Mountaineer. Mr. Lyttle, an executive with the Canadian Pacific Railway retired in 1989. Rocky Mountaineer sponsored the naming of the Park in his honour. He is survived by his wife Lillian who continues to support the West Coast Railway Heritage Park annually.