The Ontario Trillium Foundation has presented Wellington North Township $94,200 in funding for local playground creation and upgrades.
The township, in partnership with Lions Clubs in Mount Forest and Arthur, which are donating $50,000 and $10,000 respectively, announced the funding on April 11.
Making the donation on behalf of the foundation was grant review team member Susan Leuty of the Waterloo-Wellington-Dufferin Trillium Foundation.
The Mount Forest Lions Club, represented by president Carol Small, has pledged $50,000 towards the construction of a new playground and pavilion at the Mount Forest Fairgrounds.
The new playground will be named in honour of William (Bill) D. Moody, a well-known resident who has worked tirelessly as a Lions Club member in the community for many years. Construction is expected to start in the near future.
Arthur Lions Club president Al Rawlins said his club’s $10,000 donation will go toward a new playground on Smith Street North in that village. Construction will take place later this year and future plans call for the Lions Club Park to be connected to the Arthur community park and Marvin Howe Trail, which runs along the Conestogo River.
“This is tremendous News,” said Dale Small, the township’s economic development manager.
Small, who prepared and submitted the Trillium application, added, “With additional funds pledged by the Arthur Lions Club, Mount Forest Lions Club and Township of Wellington North, the total project will result in $188,400 in playground improvements and upgrades within our community.”
Councillor Sherry Burke, chairman of the township’s recreation and culture committee, said, “The application will also enable the municipality to renovate and upgrade a variety of playground equipment in a number of other locations including the Mount Forest skate board park, Birmingham Street Lions Playground, soccer park and the Conn playground park.”
Burke also expressed her appreciation to facility managers Tom Bowden and Mark MacKenzie, as well as Small and other staff members for their preparation of the Trillium application.
“We want to ensure that families and residents of the municipality have access to facilities and outdoor areas, it is a key priority for the township,” said Mayor Ray Tout. “A big thank you needs to go to our Lions Club partners for playing a major role in the success of our application.”
Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece was also on hand for the announcement. He congratulated the township and Lions Club on their success in securing the grant.
“The Mount Forest Lions Club and Arthur Lions Club both have a long history of contributing to the community and are invaluable partners for this initiative,” Pettapiece said.
“All three partners have successful backgrounds in running projects and a shared dedication to building strong and health communities.”
Stipulations for the grant show the projects must be completed by next March.
