Partnering with the Rotary Club of Cumberland Centennial, the B.C. government is providing $50,000 to support the redevelopment of Cumberland Village Park's playground.
The one-time grant will include replacement of major playground equipment for children, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Bill Bennett announced Friday.
Cumberland Village Park is an important community gathering place for recreational activities and a local hub for events like the Lantern Festival Parade and Empire Days. The redevelopment of the playground will make it a much more attractive place for families and provide more variety for young children, plus improve the overall safety of the playground.
This is just one part of the renewal project for Village Park, which also includes:
• Washroom building replacement;
• Dog park improvements;
• Bicycle jump park expansion;
• Woodland picnic area enhancements;
• Skate park construction;
• Upgrades to the tennis court.
In addition to these upgrades, a new walkway will be built to make the park more accessible for people with strollers or any mobility aid, such as walkers or wheelchairs.
"I am thrilled that Cumberland is receiving this grant to help fund the new playground at Cumberland Village Park," said Cumberland Mayor Leslie Baird. "Providing places where children can run around, be active and have fun is a quintessential part of childhood and an important factor in encouraging a love for physical activity at a young age that can carry on throughout life."
"We are extremely grateful to receive this grant," added Rotary Club of Cumberland Centennial past-president Deborah Nolan. "This playground project is a vital part of Cumberland Village Park. With this funding, we can build a terrific place for community connections where families and friends can meet, hang out with their children and stay active."
Comox Valley MLA Don McRae said, "For many families, especially those with young children, the playground is the focal point of their park visits. Funding for this playground project is a wonderful gift to this community and is a perfect way to meet the needs of families."
— Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development