Projects
Everything that a visitor sees in Fort Edmonton Park is there for a reason - to contribute to the illusion of being in the past. Moreover, everything that a visitor sees in Fort Edmonton Park was funded by community contributions.
Project Selection
In 1968,
a committee created a Master Plan
to provide the suggested framework for the development of the Park. "Fort
Edmonton Park," however, "faces an economic situation that requires
creative thinking as to how to do more with less, without compromising the
mission of the Park and its integrity as a living history site." (1)
Consequently, for each potential project the Foundation must take several
potentially conflicting things into consideration:
- the ability to interpret, or bring to life, the project;
- the historical significance or relevance of the project;
- the architectural significance or relevance of the project;
- the environmental appropriateness of the project;
- the availability of pertinent artifacts for the project;
- the availability of historical and structural information on the project;
- the financial feasibility-capital and operating funding as well as revenue potential-of the project.
All of the aforementioned points, when working together, "realize a more complete historical accuracy and give [authentic] ambience" to the Park (2). In addition, these projects are ultimately permanent, lasting additions to the Park-therefore possible future maintenance problems, not just immediate construction details, must also be taken into consideration.
Once the Board of Directors selects a project for the Park, they must decide on the priority of the project--i.e. when further research and fundraising will begin. When a project reaches a high enough priority, a committee is struck. The project committee is responsible for: a) overseeing specific, in-depth research; b) suggesting and participating in fundraising strategies; c) developing a program statement; d) producing a business plan; and e) overseeing, organizing and planning construction.
Once a project is complete, it must pass an inspection by both the Foundation and the City. The Foundation then turns the project over to the City for operation and maintenance.
Project Updates
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