Park Board holiday lights begin shining brightly this afternoon

November 28, 2008 (No. 65) - Over 30,000 holiday lights are ready to shine brightly at three downtown parks, continuing over half a century of tradition in Vancouver. Lights at Lost Lagoon Fountain in Stanley Park and at George Wainborn Park will be lit today (November 28) and the Elm Grove at Bidwell Street will be turned on December 1.

Lost Lagoon Fountain in Stanley Park

This stunning display includes 8,000 energy efficient S.L.E.D. (seasonal low emitting diodes) multi-coloured lights set in the centre of Lost Lagoon. Ever since the fountain was erected to mark the City of Vancouver's Golden Jubilee in 1936, this Christmas display has been a local favourite.

Giant Sequoia at George Wainborn Park
located at Richards Street and False Creek

The beautiful Sequoia tree planted near the entrance to this downtown park has been decorated with 8,000 white lights. Concrete pillars that have been decorated with another thousand lights to add to the festive display. Representing giant candles, they help illuminate the park named for the late George Wainborn. Wainborn, a Freedom of the City recipient and 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.

Elm Grove at Bidwell Street and Beach Avenue

These six stately elms are illuminated with over 12,750 S.L.E.D. lights and will be turned on for 24 hours December 1 to mark World AIDS Day. Enjoy the display from afar as viewed from Vanier Park over English Bay or travel down Beach Avenue toward Stanley Park.

The Park Board's holiday lights will be on daily 3:30 pm to midnight until January 7.

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For more information contact Barb Floden, Communications Coordinator, at 604-257-8438.
www.vancouverparks.ca

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation maintains 220 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.