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2008 News and Information

Local Microsoft Volunteers Enhance Richmond Nature Park

15 May 2008

At 9:30 in the morning on May 15, 150 local Microsoft employees flocked to the Richmond Nature Park to get down to work. After a full day of volunteering in the fresh air and natural habitat, they will emerge – leaving behind a brand new elevated boardwalk that will open a new area of this delicate peat bog park for visitors to enjoy for years.

The Microsoft Canada Development Centre, which opened its Richmond campus in October 2007, recently approached the City asking how they could contribute to their new community. Richmond’s Partners for Beautification and the current Nature Park Restoration programs seemed a perfect match – especially considering the close proximity of the park to the new Microsoft campus.

“Our community partners – residents, businesses, community groups and citizens -- play an integral role in Richmond,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “By bringing people together and sharing our collective resources we can make much larger contributions to our city, and strengthen community pride and spirit. All of which greatly contribute to why the City of Richmond is recognized as being one of Canada’s healthiest cities.”

Joining Microsoft and the City of Richmond employees is Evergreen, a national non-profit environmental organization. Evergreen is contributing $8,000 cash and $2,000 in Home Depot gift certificates towards the construction materials for the project. They will also provide support on the day of the event in terms of supplies and logistics.

“Thousands of people visit the park each year to learn about its unique peat bog habitat,” said Kristine Bauder, Nature Park Coordinator. “Being 200 acres and centrally located, the park is a huge contributor to the quality of life for residents and businesses that call Richmond home. Its restorations and improvements are much needed and couldn’t have been done as efficiently without the help of a community partners lending a hand.”

“The city of Richmond has welcomed the new employees of the Microsoft Canada Development Centre with open arms,” said Parminder Singh, Managing Director, Microsoft Canada Development Centre. “Microsoft believes in building strong local communities and in sharing our expertise to meet local goals and objectives. Our employees were thrilled to be asked to help.”

Mayor Malcolm Brodie greeted the Microsoft crew at 9:30 a.m. at the Nature Park East, accessed from Jacombs Way just North of Westminster Hwy. The volunteers’ lunchtime entertainment will be provided by the local Karma Jazz Trio band.

Microsoft Canada’s Community Engagement and Investment
Microsoft has a long history of community engagement, and this has led to many community partnerships around the world. Through monetary grants, software and curriculum donations, technology solutions, and employee volunteer hours, Microsoft supports projects to address community needs in the region. 

Richmond Nature Park
The Richmond Nature Park is located at 11851 Westminster Highway, and the Nature Park East is located close by at 5991 Jacombs Road which is at the corner of Jacombs and Westminster Hwy. The park consists of 200 acres of raised peat bog habitat that once covered large portions of Richmond. Walking trails totalling over seven kilometres in length provide visitors the opportunity to encounter plants and animals in bog, forest and pond habitats. The Nature House is an interpretive centre located at the entrance of the park, featuring interactive displays and games, and a free trail guide. A pleasant picnic area and washroom facilities are also conveniently located, and the park and Nature House are wheelchair accessible. The park is open daily from 7 a.m. until sunset. Admission is free. The Nature House is open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily and admission is by donation.

Richmond’s Partners for Beautification
Partners for Beautification is a unique opportunity for community involvement at many levels. It provides adoption programs relating to civic beautification. Residents of all ages, community groups, service clubs, and businesses who call Richmond home can and do make a difference in the park, streetscape, and dyke legacy for Richmond. Every partner for beautification is appreciated and recognized by the City of Richmond. For more information, please visit the Partners for Beautification webpage or contact Paul Brar, Parks Program Coordinator at 604-244-1250.