Buhler's $500,000 triggers ballpark

Winnipeg Free Press
Fri Aug 05 2005
By Mary Agnes Welch

TRANSCONA'S new baseball park will be named the Buhler Recreation Park after the local businessman who donated $500,000 to the project. 
The park's name and the identity of its biggest private benefactor were revealed yesterday by Transcona Coun. Russ Wyatt at a press conference that gathered together the area's politicians, business people and sports enthusiasts. 

John Buhler, CEO of Buhler Industries, said he had a moment to ponder the value of philanthropy while he was stuck in a plane on the tarmac at Toronto's Pearson International Airport after Air France Flight 358 skidded off the runway Tuesday. 
"Suddenly we saw fire trucks and ambulances zipping by," said Buhler. "We once again realized life can be very short...It gives me great pleasure to do this little gesture." 

Wyatt said Buhler's donation gave community volunteers the credibility they needed to lobby the three levels of government for money. 

Work is slated to begin this fall on the $5.8 million park, which will have eight softball diamonds, two baseball diamonds, four soccer fields and many amenities. 

Located just off Murdock Road deep in the heart of south Transcona, it will be spread over an area larger than Kildonan Park. 

The provincial and federal governments have kicked in $3 million for the park from the new Manitoba Rural Infrastructure Fund. Transcona residents have collected $1.2 million and plan to raise even more. 

But the park is still $1.3 million short of its goal -- money that was meant to come from city hall. 

Wyatt is lobbying hard for the funding to be included in next year's city capital budget, but that idea is not popular among some senior councillors. 

Mayor Sam Katz hugs Bonnie Buhler with John Buhler at her side at the announcement of the $500,000 donation.
Robert Dall/Winnipeg Free Press