Sam Keller, Interpreter; Tim Byrne, CAO; Lisa Bauer, Friends of the John R. Park Homestead; Mayor Larry Snively; Claire Wales, Essex Region Conservation Foundation President; Tania Jobin, ERCA Chair, Alex Toldo; Lynn Baker, John R. Park Homestead Advisory Board; Kristen Ives, Curator. The new Heritage & Conservation Centre at the John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area has been completed and a ribbon cutting was held Friday. The experience begins with a grand entrance to The Stephanie & Barry Zekelman Foundation Welcome Centre, which includes the Town of Essex Tourism Hub, and serves as a tourism conduit for the region. Expanded exhibit areas tell the story of the Homestead’s past, and the gift shop features beautiful handmade items from local artisans.