The Kerry Wood Nature Centre grounds in Red Deer include Imagination Grove Playground, Harmony Garden, interpretive signs, labelled trees, the Jean Nichols Wildflower Garden, picnic and rest areas, the historic Allen Bungalow and access to Gaetz Lakes
Sanctuary.
The outdoor grounds can be explored even when the Nature Centre building is closed.
Imagination Grove Playground
Imagination Grove is a natural play area beside Kerry Wood Nature
Centre.
Features include:
Log and wood climbing structures
Hollow log tunnels
Balance features
Tree climbing
Natural play spaces
Playground slide
Shaded areas under mature trees
The
playground is designed around nature-based and imaginative play rather than a traditional playground layout.
Harmony Garden
Harmony Garden is located beside Imagination Grove.
The outdoor music area includes several hands-on ways to create sound using wood and metal features. Children can experiment with rhythm, tone and movement while playing outside.
Interpretive Signs
Interpretive signs are located throughout the grounds and cover topics including:
Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary
Local plants and wildflowers
Forest health
Invasive insects
Renewable energy
Red Deer natural history
Local history
Some trees around the site are also labelled for identification, including Green Ash.
Jean Nichols Wildflower Memorial Garden
The Jean Nichols Wildflower Garden is located near the Nature Centre and includes a variety of flowering plants and native vegetation.
The garden adds another educational stop for visitors interested in local plant life and pollinator-friendly spaces.
Historic Allen Bungalow
The Allen Bungalow is located near Kerry Wood Nature Centre.
Built in 1912, the historic home is one of the older features on the property. An interpretive sign provides information about the building and its connection to Red Deer history.
Picnic and Rest Areas
The Kerry Wood Nature Centre grounds include:
Benches
Picnic areas
Grassy spaces
Shaded areas
Gardens
Outdoor interpretive spaces
Washroom facilities are only available when the centre is open.
These areas are suitable for short family visits, picnic stops and breaks before or after exploring nearby trails.
Kerry Wood Nature Centre
Kerry Wood Nature Centre is the main interpretive facility for the area and provides access to Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary.
The building includes environmental education and nature programming. Hours vary, so visitors planning to go inside should check current operating times before visiting.
Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary Access
The main access to Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary is through the Kerry Wood Nature Centre area.
There are also perimeter and connecting trails around the surrounding park system, but not all exterior trails provide direct access into the sanctuary.
Parking and Location
Address: 6300 45 Avenue, Red Deer, Alberta
Parking: Available at Kerry Wood Nature Centre
Cost: Outdoor grounds and play areas are free
Main features: Imagination Grove, Harmony Garden, interpretive signs, wildflower garden, Allen Bungalow, picnic areas and sanctuary access
Nearby: Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary and the Red Deer River
Good to Know
Suitable for families with children
Nature-based playground
Outdoor music features
Interpretive and educational signs
Historic site on the grounds
Picnic and rest areas available
Outdoor areas can be visited when the Nature Centre building is closed
Gaetz Lakes trail access begins from the Nature Centre area
FAQ
Is there a playground at Kerry Wood Nature Centre?
Yes. Imagination Grove is a natural playground with logs, climbing features, tunnels, trees and a slide.
What is Harmony Garden?
Harmony Garden is an outdoor musical play area using wood and metal features.
Is Kerry Wood Nature Centre free to visit?
The outdoor grounds, playground and surrounding public areas are free to explore.
Can you visit when the building is closed?
Yes. The outdoor grounds remain accessible even when the Nature Centre itself is closed.
Where is Kerry Wood Nature Centre?
It is located at 6300 45 Avenue in Red Deer, Alberta.
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