Weyburn's Therapeutic Animal Park's newly-formed board held its first meeting on Tuesday.

“We had discussions regarding the future of the Therapeutic Animal Park, and in the next couple of weeks, we’ll have formed a structured Board of Directors,” explained local business owner, Melanie Ror, who headed up the transition to a new organization.

She said the change was necessary in order to keep the park operational.

“It was scary for a little bit earlier this spring,” she said. “We were thinking that there was a possibility that the Therapeutic Animal Park might close down, so we didn’t want that to happen, and we’ve got a group of people together that are making sure that it’s going to continue to run and thrive.”

Ror said the committee will meet weekly at first, and then monthly for the long-term.

Before the animals can move in, however, work must be done at the park. Ror is hoping that the “many hands make light work” incentive will help funnel the workload.

Plans for a work bee are underway, though a date has not yet been set. First, they must find all of the right people in order to make the day run as smoothly and efficiently as possible. In particular, they need individuals or businesses with specific skill sets.

“We’re also looking for some specialized tradespeople to help out with some work at the park,” Ror said. “The bird pen needs to be assembled, and we know that that work requires a welder. Also, the rabbit pen needs to have concrete poured, and we’re hoping that local businesses will step in to donate their time and services to help with this.”

She added that supplies are already in place at the park, it’s just the work that needs to be done as soon as possible.

The board is also planning to obtain not-for-profit status for the park.