BIBLE HILL - The Village of Bible Hill is receiving $125,000 to help upgrade its recreation park on College Road.
The federal cash will help fund construction of public washroom facilities, the installation of a splash pad, gazebos and additional equipment.
The overall project is expected to cost about $270,000, said village clerk Bob Christianson, on Friday. Work should begin in late April or early May and be completed by Aug. 1, in time for the village's 60th anniversary.
Cumberland-Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley MP Scott Armstrong made the financial announcement yesterday at the Village of Bible Hill office. The money comes from the federal government's Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIFF).
"The park needs an upgrade ... it's important to the Village of Bible Hill," Armstrong said during the event.
Brendon Smithson, Bible Hill's recreation director, couldn't agree more, noting that the village's recreation department stated in its strategic plan last year that the park should be a focal point of the community.
Upgrades to the facility help achieve that goal and Smithson lists plenty of reasons these specific upgrades are relevant.
"There's baseball there and the park's hill is used for coasting and it will add to Canada Day festivities and add more concerts in the park in the summer," he said. "And, there is nothing now for kids over the age of five in the park. We'd like to add upper body equipment and the tenders are out now."
Specifics on the type of equipment aren't available until the tender process is complete.
Tom Burke, village chairman, said the financial help is appreciated. He said it helps make "the village more marketable" and a more enjoyable place to live.
mchiasson@trurodaily.com
INFO BOX:
- In the federal government's Economic Action Plan 2012, it was announced further support would be made to help communities across the country modernize infrastructure.
- The economic action plan commits $150 million over two years.
- The funding supports projects that hope to improve existing community infrastructure, such as community centres, recreational buildings, local arenas, cultural and other community facilities.
