History (The Vision)  

The "Friends Of” initiative began back in September of 2010. A meeting between the local municipalities, the superintendent of Mikisew and myself was held at Mikisew Park and the introduction of The Friends of Mikisew Provincial Park was born.

I have been a long time seasonal camper at Mikisew. My family and friends have always used the park as our own cottage community and have enjoyed our experiences and visitation to the park as well as the local area and businesses.

I felt the need to bring attention to Mikisew, because of my love for the park and the local area. Our outline or path has taken focus, and at this time I would like to share the vision with you and your friends.

At our meeting in September I introduced The Friends of Mikisew Provincial Park.

The goal of The Friends would be to supplement and enhance the educational, recreational and cultural programming for the park. As an organization, The Friends would be able to participate with other people, groups and organizations who share these common goals bring forth Mikisew Park as the classroom or destination point.

Working as a team, and under the direction of the Mikisew Park Superintendent, it is my hope to help build the educational, recreational and cultural platform to move forward with The Friends of Mikisew Provincial Park. What we really need at this stage is your thoughts, ideas and concerns.

To Date  

On February 17, 2011, we held an orientation meeting at the Sundridge Community Centre to introduce the concept to the community. Our guest speaker was Kris Puhval-Executive Director for The Friends of Killarney. Kris showed the path of the Killarney Friends and their successes as an organization. He illustrated the commitment of the friend’s organization, and there benefit to the park as well as the surrounding area. 

The turnout was fantastic. There were over 45 people in attendance. Local business owners, concerned citizens, campers, local politicians, government representatives, cottage and lake associations members and high school teachers-just to name a few.

A variety of ideas were shared, partnerships were formed and lots of energy filled the room.

In April, 2011,  the second orientation meeting has taken place. Our focus for this evening was The Caspian Tern and Species at Risk. Our guest speaker was Jan McDonnell, biologist from the Ministry of Natural Resources. The Species at Risk evening is just one of the many educational forums that the Friends of Mikisew would like to be a part of.

What's Next

The Friends of Mikisew Provincial Park is in the process of establishing their non-for-profit status. The proposed corporation is looking at enchancing educational, recreational, heritage and research protection programming for Mikisew Provincial Park in the Almaguin area.

The Friends of Mikisew Park team is looking for dynamic persons from the Almaguin and camper community to sit on a Board of Directors. The prospective Directors should have a strong attachment to Mikisew, an interest in enhancing programming venues and an allegiance to the communities within the area of search.

Please direct your expressions of interest and resume by Friday, February 10, 2012 to:

Interim Chair, Friends of Mikisew Provincial Park
c/o South River Municipal Office
63 Marie Street
P.O. Box 310
South River, Ontario   P0A 1X0
OR
Email to:
friendsofmikisew@gmail.com

Thanks.
Yours truly
Garry Radey (Interim Designate Chair)