Park improvements in the works
Alberton council favours upgrading town’s Memorial Field
ALBERTON — Ahead of the town’s budget meeting, Alberton councillors are planning to allocate funds toward upgrading the local ballfield.
“We’re looking at building a new washroom and structure for the splash pad,” said Coun. Blair Duggan, who chairs the town’s finance committee.
Although the budget has yet to receive final approval, the town intends to budget nearly $319,000 in equalization payments, according to the draft document – close to $70,000 more than the town received last year.
The current plan, said Duggan, would be to use some of this extra funding for the field.
Upgrading Memorial Field on Prince William Street has been on the mind of councillors for the past couple years.
In addition to the ball field, the space is also home to the local skate and dog parks. The space will also be the site of the future splash pad, which council has planned since its May 2021 meeting.
“There’s a smaller gazebo going over there, as well,” added Mayor David Gordon. “For if anybody wants to bring their grandchildren or whoever, instead of sitting in the sun all day.”
Council members, said Gordon, are also looking into adding a small park on Emma Drive for the families that have moved to the recently constructed subdivision there.
Gordon is hopeful that the planned new features and upgraded amenities will help draw people to the town, and that they will benefit everyone from young children to local business owners.
“These people are going to come into our communities, play around in the splash pad, then go to eat or whatever they’re going to do,” he said. “I think it’s a great thing.”
In addition to upgrading the park, Duggan said the equalization funding will also go toward sidewalk maintenance and help pay for the town’s fuel and gas.
The town’s meeting to approve the annual budget will be held on Monday, March 28 at 6:30 p.m.