Alberton council and recreation committee members held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday to celebrate the installation of new playground equipment, benches, and picnic tables at the Millennium Park and rink facility there.
Local MPP Sarah Campbell was on hand to congratulate the township on the work it did with the $52,500 Ontario Trillium Foundation grant it received this year and hear more about how the additions will make a difference.
“This investment by the Ontario Trillium Foundation to install play equipment geared to older children, and seating facilities for all park users, is a great benefit to the community,” noted Campbell.
“The net-climber will appeal to a broader youth age group and support physical activity, and the seating area provides a great place for people to socialize and picnic with their families,” she added.
The Millennium Park is the township’s community hub and is well-used year-round. It is the site of three annual rec committee events and a popular spot for family gatherings.
The net-climber is intended for ages five-12, and fills the gap between play structures geared to younger children and the outdoor exercise equipment and volleyball court for teens and adults already on-site.
The tables and benches provide needed seating and a place to picnic.
Thanks to the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the township now has a full complement of high-quality infrastructure to appeal to all ages from spring through fall.
“It is the goal of our community to foster physical activity, and have a place for people to gather and celebrate a variety of events,” said Alberton Reeve Mike Hammond.
“These items will further enhance our playground and exercise equipment area, and give everyone a place to socialize or parents to watch their children at play,” he noted.
“Installation was delayed until late fall but the impact that this Ontario Trillium Foundation grant gives cannot be underestimated,”
stressed Louis Byma, who chairs Alberton’s recreation committee.
“Alberton has had an increase in families over the years and this grant allowed us to enhance the park so everyone—right from the youngest to the oldest residents—can enjoy it together,” he said.
The Township of Alberton is committed to maintaining and developing the Millennium Park for community and public use.
If you’re interested in using the space for hosting an event, contact the township office at 274-6053.
An agency of the Government of Ontario, the Ontario Trillium Foundation is one of Canada’s largest granting foundations.
With a budget of more than $136 million, OTF awards grants to some 1,000 projects every year to build healthy and vibrant Ontario communities.
For more information, visit www.otf.ca
Alberton park given Trillium boost
