A 15.06-acre municipal park on the shores of Lake Ontario, Happy Rolph's Bird Sanctuary boasts one of Canadas most exotic collections of flowering rhododendrons.

There is also a petting farm, which includes chickens, pigs, horses, rabbits, sheep, goats, llamas, as well as a donkey named 'Hoti' -- 'Don Quixote'.  Hundreds of ducks, geese and native birds live in the sanctuary's nearby pond. The pond's inlet, sheltered by evergreens and bordered by grassy banks and willow trees, offers food and shelter for the resident waterfowl and migratory birds.

There are pathways to the lake, bird feeders, and a barn.   It is an ideal location for families or school groups to spend a day picnicking and visiting the animals.  There are washrooms, a snack bar and a pavilion with plenty of picnic tables.  Happy Rolphs is also available for annual festivals and weddings.

A trail running throughout the park leads to a peaceful waterfront memorial to Canadian victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.  Those that died are memorialized by twenty seven varieties of decidious trees that line the trail. The wheelchair accessible walkway has benches with beautiful vistas on the shores of Lake Ontario.

http://video.stcatharinesstandard.ca/video/featured/latest/1418394179001/happy-rolph-bird-sancutuary/1663768697001 (Posted 30 May 2012)