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Background Papers

Introduction

Part 1

Background and Tools

Part 2

The David Thompson Corridor

Part 3

Crimson Lake Provincial Park

Part 4

Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve

Part 5

Other Key Properties

Part 1: Background and Tools

This section provides interpretive staff, volunteers, planners and managers with background and information about best practice in planning and delivering effective and engaging interpretation and education programs and services. It includes:

Chapter 1: Defining Visitor Services

This chapter introduces agency definitions of Visitor Services, its value to Alberta Parks and park users plus current concepts and ideas used in best practice. With this information, interpretive staff and their managers can ensure that appropriate interpretation and education offerings are provided. As well, this knowledge will assist program managers to defend and justify their programs to the public, regional and provincial managers and political representatives.

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Chapter 2: Summary of Foundations

This is a brief summary of the detailed review of the mission, vision, goals and initiatives of all levels of the Alberta Government of relevance to the content and delivery of interpretation and education services in the district contained in Background Paper 1.

These foundations justify and guided the development of interpretation and education programs in the district and should be reviewed by staff annually.

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Chapter 3: Best Practice in Visitor Analysis and Market Analysis

This is a framework for regular ongoing visitor and market analysis that ensures accurate tracking of changes in demographics, use, and interests. This ensures that interpretation and education programming is appropriate and engaging to visitors and outreach audiences.

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Chapter 4: Analysis of Potential Partners

This is a detailed review of current and potential partners for the sponsorship and/or collaboration in the delivery of interpretation and education programming. It consists of a set of selection criteria and a review of local, provincial and national agencies and groups with compatible interests and activities. This will be used by district Park staff as a guide for developing and maintaining effective partnerships.

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Chapter 5: School Curriculum Review

This chapter identifies grade-specific science and social studies curriculum connections that can be addressed by school programming at Alberta Park sites in the David Thompson Corridor. This is a tool that will be used regularly by park staff when developing on-site and outreach school programming.

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Chapter 6: Presentation Options

This chapter focuses on the personal and non-personal media and methods available for delivering interpretation and education services (including traditional methods as well as new electronic media). It describes and analyses each in terms of its strengths and weakness for different types of participants or audiences. This tool will be used by field staff to help them select programming approaches that are effective and appropriate to their target participants.

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Chapter 7: Review of Sign Standards

This is a condensed review of the new Alberta Parks sign standards that are relevant to interpretation and education programming. It is used by interpretive staff to ensure that all interpretation and wayfinding signs and brochures maintain the Alberta Parks look and feel.

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