Some meetings leave you with notes. Others leave you looking at the world a little differently.
Today's Lakehead Rotary meeting took us outside the boardroom and into the heart of Centennial Park, where we were welcomed by Volker the Farmer. With passion, Volker introduced us to the park's four-legged and feathered residents, sharing not only how each animal is cared for, but also the fascinating habits, personalities, and instincts that make every species unique. It was a reminder that learning doesn't always happen in a classroom. Sometimes it happens while watching a curious goat, listening to the call of a rooster, or discovering why certain animals behave the way they do.
Centennial Park has always been much more than a place to spend an afternoon. Since opening in 1967, it has grown into one of Thunder Bay's most treasured green spaces, where nature, history, recreation, and education come together for generations of families to enjoy.
What makes that experience possible, however, isn't just the park itself. It's the many dedicated staff members and volunteers who quietly invest their time, energy, and ideas to keep it welcoming, vibrant, and continually evolving. Their commitment ensures that every visit offers something to discover, while thoughtful improvements and new ideas continue to make the park even more accessible, engaging, and enjoyable for future generations.
Thank you to Volker for sharing your knowledge so generously, to Don and Tyler for ensuring we had full tummies, and to everyone who works behind the scenes to make Centennial Park a place where curiosity is encouraged, memories are made, and families can continue creating traditions for years to come.