Ribbon cutting celebrates new playground
Equipment includes multiple slides, scavenger hunt, climbing wall and accessible ramp
Numerous dignitaries were on hand for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate Ode’Naang Park’s new playground area on Thursday.
Janet Clarkson, former mayor, Mayor Terry Lambshead, Deputy Mayor Carol Armstrong, councillors John Braybrook, Joe Cadigan and Peter Franzen along with Dylan Cosh, parks and recreation director and two staff members, plus Rachel Stark, communications director of Trent Lakes, were in attendance.
MPP Dave Smith was there also and spoke about the impact that a $75,000 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) has had in making this initiative come together. This is the first public playground in Buckhorn, located in the largest and busiest park in Trent Lakes.
Awarded in 2022, this OTF grant was used to help with the costs needed to renovate Ode’Naang’s outdoor playground, providing local children and their families with a safe and accessible play space in which to have fun. The OTF grant, plus a grant of $56,250 from the federal government’s Canada Community Revitalization Fund, enabled the purchase.
The lock is known as one of the busiest along the waterway, seeing as many as 150,000 boats pass through each year. The land officially became a municipally owned park in 2018.
The new playground equipment includes multiple slides, a scavenger hunt, a climbing wall, a miniature race car track, monkey bars, an accessible ramp and more. The playground equipment joins an array of benches, picnic tables, portable toilets and a kayak stand already in the park.
“The construction of this new playground will provide a prime recreational opportunity in the heart of Buckhorn for children and families both living in and visiting the area,” said Dylan Cosh, director of recreation and facilities for the Municipality of Trent Lakes. “Its proximity to local shopping and dining positions it to be a highly used asset for the community.”
Rayna Taylor of Oak Bay Resort provided the idea for the park and was in attendance. She said the playground is already in continual use. Ideas happen.
Volunteer lunch
The Buckhorn Community Centre is hosting a volunteer lunch on Wednesday.
Organizations in the area such as the Good Buy Room, Buckhorn District Tourist Association, Buckhorn Community Sports Complex, Lakehurst and Cavendish halls, Harvey and Cavendish fire halls, Buckhorn Lions Club, Trent Lakes Outreach Centre — Foodbank, Buckhorn Community Centre, Buckhorn Community Care and the Beautiful Buckhorn Task Force are showcased and have volunteer opportunities for you to investigate.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a friend and have lunch. You are asked to RSVP so that they can prepare enough food. Everyone is welcome. There is no cost.
Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and lunch is at 12:15 p.m.
St. Matthew and St. Aidan Anglican Church’s spring tea
The St. Matthew and St. Aidan Anglican Church’s spring tea happens on Saturday, April 13, from 2 to 4 p.m. Vikki of Griffin’s Greenhouses will be creating another fabulous surprise.
Homemade fancy spring sandwiches, delicious sweet treats, tea and coffee will be served for only $15, payable at the door. This includes a complimentary ticket on a draw for Vikki’s creation.
Confirm your attendance by calling Marylou at 705-657-1456. Dairy-free, meat-free sandwiches are also available.
The luncheon supports the churches’ community outreach.
Community Centre meeting
The Buckhorn Community Centre (BCC) is holding its annual general meeting on Wednesday, April 24 at 7 p.m. Progress made in support of the BCC’s strategic plan will be presented. A slate of nominees for the board of directors will be presented and an election will be held.
RSVP your attendance to the general manager, Judy McWhirter, at generalmgr@buckhorncommunitycentre.com or 705-657-8833.