Park Board Holiday Lights To Be Switched On
December 1st

November 29, 2007 (No. 60) - The Vancouver Park Board has been lighting up the dark nights of December for over half a century. Holiday "lights" viewing has become a Vancouver tradition at the following park locations.

Elm Grove at Bidwell Street and Beach Avenue
These six stately elms are illuminated with over 12,750 SLED lights (Seasonal Low Emitting Diodes) and will be turned on to mark World AIDS Day for 24 hours December 1st. After that they will shine brightly from 3:30 pm to midnight through January 7th. This is one of Vancouver's best kept West End secrets. Enjoy the display from afar as viewed from Vanier Park over English Bay or travel down Beach Avenue toward Stanley Park. They are a cloud of colour.

Lost Lagoon Fountain in Stanley Park
Ever since the fountain was erected to mark the City of Vancouver's Golden Jubilee (50th Anniversary) in 1936, there has been a Christmas display on Lost Lagoon. It has altered over the years, even been blown down in fierce December winds on occasion, but it still touches the heart as a shining symbol of the season rising up from the darkened lagoon with only swans and ducks adding magical animation. New this year comprising the Lagoon display are 4,800 energy efficient SLED multi-coloured lights, a substantial increase from the 1,800 traditional lights last season promising a sparkling display as reflected in the Lagoon's calm waters. The fountain is turned off for the duration of the display which starts December 1st from 3:30 pm through midnight. 

Giant Sequoia at George Wainborn Park - Located at Richards Street and False Creek
The beautiful Sequoia tree planted near the entrance to one of Vancouver's stylish downtown parks has been decorated with hundreds of white lights. These glowing lamps, guarded by towering concrete pillars that have been decorated to represent giant candles, help illuminate the park named for the late George Wainborn. Wainborn, a Freedom of the City recipient, was Vancouver's longest serving Park Commissioner who started such seasonal events as the Carol Ships, the Christmas Train in Stanley Park and the annual lighting of the Elm Grove at Bidwell Street and Beach Avenue. Lights go on December 1st from 3:30 pm through midnight.

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For information contact: Terri Clark, Communication Coordinator, at 604-257-8438.
www.vancouverparks.ca

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation maintains 200 parks and 40 major facilities throughout the City of Vancouver. The Park Board's mission is to provide, preserve and advocate for parks and recreation services to benefit people, communities and the environment.