UCC Regina expands Ukrainian Science Park playground

UCC Regina President Orest Warnyca, and Science Park project co-chair Steve Pillipow pull the earth lever with Ukrainian youth to officially open the Ukrainian Science Park playground.

July 27, 2006 – The Ukrainian Canadian Congress -- Regina branch unveiled its latest project on May 19th: the expansion of the Ukrainian Science Park playground, located at the Saskatchewan Science Centre in Regina.

The provincial UCC developed the park a number of years ago to commemorate 100 years of Ukrainian settlement in Canada. As a Saskatchewan Centennial project, UCC Regina donated $50,000 to fund the expansion of the park.

"The playground is an educational concept in a recreational setting," said UCC Regina president Orest Warnyca. "The expanded park gives our Ukrainian youth, and all those visiting the Science Centre, an important place to learn at play."

The playground focuses not only on science, but diversity and heritage as well. The expanded playground reflects Ukrainian heritage in its use of colours and symbols. Visitors will enjoy the music of the drum kit, thunder sheet, rain stick and tubular bells. And children will learn about the law of equilibrium with the earth lever, which lets them lift a 45-kg globe with a pull of just 9 kg. According to the Science Centre, "the playground already entertains thousands of visitors every year and with the new expansion, it now covers over 5,500 square meters -- doubling it in size." This will allow even more youth to benefit from the park in the future.

With the help of our Ukrainian community, UCC Regina has funded many projects in the city. "Our success is due in large part to the many patrons who donated to the project," said Orest Warnyca. "We are grateful for their support, and want to thank them once again." The donors will be acknowledged on a plaque that is permanently mounted at the Ukrainian Science Park.

Honorary Patrons

• Eli and Rose Zalusky

Patrons

• Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Regina branch
• Ukrainian Orthodox Community of Regina
• Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Descent of the Holy Spirit
• Ukrainian Orthodox Men's Association
• Ukrainian Women's Association
• Ukrainian Society of Prosvita

Benefactors

• Dr. Anthony and Sharon Harras
• Dr. Edward Klopoushak, in memory of Eileen and Gary Klopoushak
• St. Basil's Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood
• Ukrainian Canadian Professional and Business Association of Regina

Friends

• Jean and John Sawchyn
• Tavria Ukrainian Folk Dance Ensemble of Regina
• Vera Feduschak
• St. Athanasius Ukrainian Catholic Women's League
• St. Basil's Ukrainian Catholic Women's League
• Waverly Stetchyshyn and Curtis Stetchyshyn
• Orest and Gwen Warnyca
• Steve and Aileen Pillipow
• William and Marge Dumanski
• Wayne and Mary Ellen Hydeman
• Eugene and Anne Krenosky
• Edward and Janet Lysyk
• Ken Mazur
• Steve and Sandra Senyk
• Ukrainian Co-operative Association Ltd.
• Ernie and Lesia Cherepuschak

Submitted by Carla Warnyca
More story and pictures on UCC Regina website