Playground equipment officially opened

Despite the early snowfall last week, Ontario NDP leader and local MPP Howard Hampton made a brief stop in Emo on Friday afternoon to help residents officially open the new playground equipment at the Lions Park.
The roughly 1,800 sq. ft. play structure, which was installed in May, was funded by a $29,000 Ontario Trillium Foundation grant, $15,000 raised by the playground committee, and a donation of $1,000 from the Rainy River Valley Safety Coalition.
“I’m pleased that the Ontario Trillium Foundation has provided the necessary funding to provide safe playground equipment for the enjoyment of all children in the community of Emo,” Hampton said.
“To everyone who has worked so hard to make this new playground a reality, congratulations and thank you for your dedication.”
Kathy Leek, representing the Ontario Trillium Foundation, noted about 100 children under the age of 12 and 50 families use the park on a regular basis.
“The old equipment was old and not up to CSA standards . . . [so] it was important to make the upgrade to this much-used municipal park,” she stressed.
It also was noted the new structure has increased the number of children using this equipment, and has provided a safe environment for all the children.
“The Ontario Trillium Foundation celebrates the commitment and energy of the Township of Emo in encouraging community partnership and encouraging volunteerism,” Leek added.
“And we thank you for helping us fulfill our goal in working with others to make strategic investments to build healthy and vibrant communities in Ontario.”
All groups or individuals who made a contribution to the new equipment were thanked for their support.
The playground fundraising committee, consisting of Bridget Beck, Marnie Redford, and Dawn Morriseau, also put a lot of time and effort into the project, and many volunteers helped to install the equipment.