Nicholas Mercer
Local Journalism Initiative
There is plenty of activity around the ballfield and its parking lot on Goodyear Avenue in Grand Falls-Windsor lately.
Heavy equipment have begun work replacing and fixing the lot, as well as upgrading its drainage system. The work is a part of a larger focus on the improvement recreation facilities around the province.
In a prepared released, the provincial and federal governments announced funding for facilities in five communities across Newfoundland and Labrador. In total, the funding announced totals over $1.6 million between federal, provincial and municipal contributions.
The money will take care of projects in Grand Falls-Windsor, as well as Twillingate, King’s Point, Change Islands and Stephenville.
"Investing in cultural and recreational infrastructure is important to growing strong and healthy communities. The improvements being made to these facilities means that Newfoundland and Labrador residents can spend more time connecting, staying active, and having fun in modern and accessible facilities,” said Coast of Bays-Central-Notre Dame MP Scott Simms in the release. “We are proud to work with our partners to deliver these important projects. They are an example of how Canada's infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country and builds stronger communities."
In addition to the parking lot work being done in Grand Falls-Windsor, work will also include paving the walking track around the adjacent playground and splash pad.
A pair of new backstops on the ball fields will also be installed, along with upgrades to existing dugouts and the installation of two scoreboards.
Staying central Newfoundland, the Town of King’s Point will see the installation of a pre-fabricated steel dome that will serve as a rough for
the outdoor ice rink in the community.
In Twillingate, fresh off being named the next Hockeyville, a new chiller will be installed at the George Hawkins Arena.
Meanwhile, the recreation centre in Change Islands will be getting a makeover as a result of the funding announcement. The building will have new doors, windows and siding installed, while also getting repairs done to the skirt of the building.
In Stephenville, the aging playground at Blanch Brook Park is being replaced by a modern, all-inclusive structure.
“Renovating recreational facilities so that they are modern and accessible is a priority for this government. These facilities allow people of all ages and abilities to take part in activities to promote healthy and active lifestyles,” said minister of transportation and infrastructure Derrick Bragg.
Nicholas Mercer is a local journalism initiative reporter for central Newfoundland for SaltWire Network.
