THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015
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Building fun into the community New playground equipment gives Evergreen Park a bright new look
By Greg Laychak THE OBSERVER
They might not have been there to play, but for local city staff, councillors and guests there was some fun banter last Thursday at the ribbon cutting ceremony of the new playground equipment at Evergreen Park. And then Mayor John Van Laerhoven gave his speech before the ceremonial snip. “This neighbourhood park has seen families grow within the neighbourhood,” he said. “New families have moved in,
surrounding neighbourhoods have been developed and grandchildren are now replacing the children who once played on the play structure. A lot can happen in 24 years.” The park originally opened in May of 1991 and was in dire need of an upgrade, according to district staff. Those in attendance shared their memories about the old park and talked about how some of the equipment might not have been considered safe by today’s standards. Original sponsors of the first version of the playground
equipment, the Agassiz-Harrison Lions Club also contributed to its rebuild. Bert and Cherry Hooper – both directors at the Club – were present, with Bert as the official ribbon cutter. “That’s part of the Lions motto, ‘We serve,’” Bert said. He also noted the bright colours of the new equipment in contrast to the old gear on the dull rainy day. “The minute you cross those railroad tracks up there, you can see it,” Bert said. “And it draws your eye down into the playground.”
The new area has an access ramp and some accessible equipment and a baby swing—something less common in parks these days. When the park was chosen based on the Kent district recreation department’s regular evaluation process, neighbourhood surveys were undertaken to decide how best to serve the community, according to Kimberly Goulet, Recreation Supervisor. Respondents were asked about age group and frequency of visits to the park, but they were also asked Continued on 2
2 for 1 Teen Burger Enjoy 2 Teen Burgers for the price of 1 with any non-perishable food donation between December 3rd and 17th. All donations go to our local Food Bank. Don’t miss the magic of the CP Holiday Train – it stops in Agassiz at 5:05 on December 18th. See www.cpr.ca for details.
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HOLIDAY TRAIN
Bert Hooper (middle), director of Agassiz-Harrison Lions Club, cuts the ribbon at a ceremony for the new playground equipment at Evergreen Park last Thursday alongside his wife Cherry (left) and District of Kent mayor John Van Laerhoven.
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