June, 2001

DID YOU KNOW?

MUSKRAT
There is a healthy population of MUSKRATS in Pippy Park. They can frequently be seen swimming around the edge of Long Pond especially in the marsh area where Leary's Brook enters the pond. They are also seen in Kents Pond and Fogarty's Marsh. Look for their reed houses and "push ups" which Muskrats will build when suitable vegetation is available. Most muskrats build burrow dens along the shorelines. Muskrats are not closely related to either rats or beavers; they are more closely related to mice! They feed on freshwater clams, fish and frogs and are active year round. They can stay submerged for up to 15 minutes.

The construction of the "BIFURCATION ROAD" is now under way again after having been halted for the winter. This road will provide a link between the Outer Ring Road and Kenmount Road. It will start from the Outer Ring Road near Juniper Ponds between Thorburn Road and Groves Road, it will pass under Thorburn Road near Vatcher's and continue past the end of Duffy Place to meet Kenmount Road just beyond the MacDonalds. It will eventually continue over Kenmount Road to link up with the west end of the City.

In 1924 the Wesley United Church established the very first radio station (VOWR) in the Province. John Tessier, a longtime volunteer tells me, the VOWR TRANSMITTER TOWER was erected on the top of Nagles Hill/Mt. Scio, the hill in Pippy Park immediately behind the General Hospital, in 1954. It had been originally located on Patrick Street and then moved to Torbay Road in 1948. In January of 1982 it became a casualty of one of our many ice storms and a major fundraising campaign was launched to restore the "toppled tower". The new Grand Concourse Walkway currently nearing completion, passes by the tower as it ascends the hill behind the General Hospital. The public is warned to stay well away from the facility because of the danger from the high voltage electricity used in its operation.

In 1966 the University had 11 buildings it now has more than 60 UNIVERSITY BUILDINGS in the Park. In her fascinating and well attended public lecture Dr. Jo Shawyer mentioned some astounding facts about the park and its growth since 1966. One of the most surprising was the number of buildings that have been erected during that period of time by the Memorial University. In 1966 there were 11 buildings, now there are over 60!

WELCOME TO THE JANEWAY!
With the moving of the Emergency room from the old Janeway to the new Janeway the gradual moving process has reached a milestone. Welcome to Pippy Park for all the staff, volunteers and patients!

The magnificent new home for the Janeway is attached to the St. John's General Hospital, Health Sciences Centre located at the west end of Long Pond north of Prince Philip Drive.

The modern silver/grey architecture of the building is in striking contrast to the General Hospital and Medical School. It is located on the corner of the complex overlooking Long Pond Marsh and Shamrock Farm with the unbroken green of the Nagles Hill escarpment in the background. This is definitely one of the choice sites in Pippy Park and has quite properly been assigned to the facility that takes care of the health of the children throughout the province.

We hope that many of the patients and staff will be able to not just enjoy the soothing views but will be able to venture out on to the Grand Concourse walk that encircles Long Pond. There is a major entry point to this extensive walkway system immediately across from the Janeway. This walk already connects to Larkhall St. and will soon be extended to climb the hill to Mt. Scio Road and the Botanical Garden. The idyllic surroundings cannot help but ease the stress and anxiety of the children as well as their families and the staff!

NEW CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER - KEN CURNEW
Ken Curnew has been appointed the Chief Operating Officer with the Pippy Park Commission. His appointment commences at the beginning of June. He replaces Tom Hopkins, who is retiring. Ken Curnew is a biologist and comes to us from the Dept. of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, where he was Director of Inland Fisheries.

NEW GENERAL MANAGER FOR THE GOLF COURSES - ED. DAWE
Ed. Dawe has been appointed General Manager of the Adimral's Green and Captain's Hill Golf Courses and the Pro Shop in Pippy Park. He has been a long time member of the group of volunteers known as the Public Golf Association who were responsible for developing the magnificent facility that is there today. He succeeds Fintan Costello.

CHILDREN'S GARDENING PROGRAMME
The Friends of Pippy Park will be running the gardening programme for children ages 7-12 yrs. again this summer. Registration will be on Sat. June 9th., 16th. & 23rd. at the garden plots on Mt. Scio Rd. By the Pippy Park Headquarters sign. Phone 738-3611 for information