Recreation infrastructure grants announced

The grant provides financial support to help communities and groups with new or existing infrastructure.

An artist’s rendering of the Kimberley Splash Park, which is being supported by the Trust’s Recreation Infrastructure Grants. — Photo courtesy Columbia Basin Trust

(Columbia Basin) – Whether you enjoy lawn bowling or golf, take to the backcountry on foot, skis or bike, or prefer to hit a tennis ball or pickle ball, dozens of expansions, improvements and new developments to the spaces that keep you moving are on their way. Thanks to Columbia Basin Trust’s Recreation Infrastructure Grants, 42 projects around the region are getting over $3.5 million in support.

The Trust announced the $9-million, three-year program in January 2016. It provides financial support to help communities and groups build new recreation infrastructure or upgrade existing recreation infrastructure.

“We’re pleased to provide grants to such a wide range of projects that will help people stay fit and enjoy where we live,” said Neil Muth, Columbia Basin Trust President and Chief Executive Officer. “Supporting residents to lead active, healthy lifestyles is one of our strategic priorities, and developing the amenities that help them do so is an important step.”

One of the recipients is the Rotary Club of Kimberley. It will be developing the Kimberley Splash Park to provide an aquatic playground for children of all ages and abilities.

“The splash park will offer a safe, inclusive, low-maintenance and free option for residents and tourists to cool off at on hot summer days,” said Sandra Roberts, President. “Children will be able to strengthen their gross motor skills, develop their hand/eye coordination, enjoy water play and learn social skills. Plus we will use low-flow nozzles and have selected each feature with water conservation in mind.”

Other successful Kimberley and Cranbrook projects include:

KIMBERLEY and AREA

• Arena Wall and Walking Track - Rebuild the north wall at the Kimberley Civic Centre and complete a 215-metre indoor walking track around the second-level observation deck.
• Bootleg Mountain Recreation Site - Construct a new cycling trail and upgrade two existing trails on the southern slopes of Bootleg Mountain to expand the number of trails available to cyclists and offer more challenging and technical terrain.
• Kimberley Lawn Bowling Upgrades - Install a new underground irrigation system to improve water efficiency and ensure even coverage of the greens.
• Wasa Lions Way and Basketball Court Upgrades - Resurface the Wasa Lions Way pathway and basketball court within the Wasa and District Lions Club grounds.

CRANBROOK and AREA

• aq’amnik Education Centre Gymnasium Expansion - Build a new gymnasium to serve as the hub for various recreational, educational and cultural activities.
• Gyro Park Upgrades - Expand and improve Gyro Park by upgrading playground equipment and tennis courts and constructing a new dedicated pickle ball facility.
• Cranbrook Community Forest Gateway Project - Upgrade the Cranbrook Community Forest trail network by revamping the College of the Rockies trailhead and constructing new trail connections.
• Wycliffe Exhibition Grounds Restoration - Restore the Wycliffe Exhibition Grounds so it can be used effectively by a number of different of groups in Wycliffe and surrounding areas.
• Elizabeth Lake Trail Upgrades - Continue trail improvements in the Elizabeth Lake area to create a safe, high-quality trail network.
• Cranbrook to Wardner Trail Phase 3 - Complete a 42-km, non-motorized, all-season recreational trail as part of the Trans Canada Trail between Cranbrook and Wardner.

The granting program’s next intake is now open. The deadline to apply is Monday, July 11, 2016. Learn more and download the guidelines at cbt.org/recreationapply.

Columbia Basin Trust supports the ideas and efforts of the people in the Columbia Basin. To learn more about the Trust’s programs and initiatives, and how it helps deliver social, economic and environmental benefits to the Basin, visit cbt.org or call 1-800-505-8998.