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DUNSEITH Adding a large structure to a perfect park-like setting renowned for articulate floral displays and blooming shrubbery is delicate work. However, work is proceeding at the site of a new interpretive center under construction at the International Peace Garden.

Despite the building's impressive size, well conceived planning and design makes the new structure compatible with the artistic beauty of the Peace Garden.

Making an 8,000-square-foot building with 23-foot sidewalls blend into its surroundings may seem impossible but, even with several weeks of construction yet to be completed, it's apparent that the new building is a good fit for the Peace Garden. It will be as aesthetically pleasing as it will be functional, and it will add greatly to what the Peace Garden can offer visitors.

"We'll feature some permanent photography displays in the interpretive center. We'll have a multi-purpose room where we can maybe conduct some gardening programs and the like," said Doug Hevenor, CEO of the International Peace Garden. "The library there will have a collection of books and texts primarly focused on prairie gardening, not for loan, but to read while at the new center."

A walkway leading from the Sunken Gardens will encourage visitors to enter the interpretive center. Once inside, in addition to interpretive displays, visitors will find a gift shop and cafe complete with an outdoor patio on which to relax and take in a grand view of the Peace Garden.

"This building is part of the capital improvements project that has been happening over the last couple of years," said Brenda Hevenor, park manager. "It is situated on the United States side. It'll be a great addition to the Peace Garden."

The current Peace Garden's interpretive center will remain in place and still contain some interpretive displays once the new center is complete. The Peace Garden staff is still working on how and when to phase out the old interpretive building, which is much smaller than the new structure, and are considering a variety of uses for the old building once the new one is fully occupied.

The new interpretive center will help the Peace Garden make a big leap toward becoming a four-seasons destination. Currently, other than seclusion and solitude, the Peace Garden has little to offer visitors during the winter months. The new interpretive center and accompanying conservatory will change that dramatically. The public greenhouse will encompass nearly 3,000 square feet and be topped by a very high ceiling designed to let in the maximum amount of sunlight.

"We'll have plenty of tropicals in there, everything from plants you'd expect to see in southern Florida and beyond," said Brenda Hevenor. "We're hoping to do some displays that are seasonal, such as poinsettias during the Christmas season. This is definitely to make the Garden accessible year-round."

Doug Hevenor added his thoughts regarding the new conservatory. "Our primary focus will be on succulent and dryland plants and cacti. Our intent is to make the Peace Garden a year-round destination and the new conservatory is a big part of that," he said.

Future plans for the Peace Garden includes consideration of adding groomed cross-country ski trails to help attract winter visitors. An operator for the new cafe is also being sought.

Another project to be undertaken this coming summer will enhance visitor options at the Peace Garden. The Peace Garden contains a memorial dedicated to the attack on the World Trade Center and Pentagon. That memorial is on the improvement list.

"There is major funding coming from Lions Clubs on both sides of the border," explained Brenda Hevenor. "The 9-11 area is to have a major enhancement, garden-wise, by the end of 2010. The funding will help complete walkways leading to the memorial."

On the Peace Garden "wish list" for the second phase of the existing capital improvements project is a Conflict Resolution Center which would be constructed on the Canadian side of the park. The facility would be designed to accommodate non-campers and illustrate to the world how two major countries can maintain peace.

"This isn't just about our formal gardens and flowers. This is about being a Peace Garden. The Peace Towers represent camaraderie between the U.S. and Canada and signifies peace for the four corners of the world," said Brenda Hevenor. "We're hoping that the second phase, especially, will not be just for local conflict resolution but will entice others internationally to resolve conflicts (here)."

Further information on the International Peace Garden, including hours of operation, can be found at (www.peacegarden.com).