The health of any community starts with the availability of facilities and the Halalt First Nation is excited about the development of a new space that will bring a great benefit to residents.
A groundbreaking ceremony Friday morning marked the beginning of a project to build a new outdoor fitness area and playground on the site of the current playground that was in desperate need of a substantial upgrade.
ItB次元官网网址檚 also a tremendous boost for a community thatB次元官网网址檚 been ravaged by flooding the last few years.
The project was made possible by funding of $270,000 from the Canada Community Revitalization Fund and $25,983 from the Healthy Communities Initiative Fund.
With the support of the Halalt and Lyackson First Nations, the HuliB次元官网网址檛un Health Society collaborated with playquest Recreation for implementation and construction that will start Monday, July 25 and take about a month to complete.
B次元官网网址淭he space is going to be used by all ages,B次元官网网址� said Christine Thomas, former community health representative for the HuliB次元官网网址檛un Health Society and project coordinator.
The idea originally stemmed from Roxy Thomas and she had the honour of shovelling out the first piece of ground for the project.
Christine took RoxyB次元官网网址檚 proposal to the next level and playquest B次元官网网址� with its main office in Edmonton B次元官网网址� returned her calls that resulted in some action. COVID delayed proceedings, but productive meetings ensured it would go ahead.
B次元官网网址淭he projectB次元官网网址檚 been going on for a couple of years,B次元官网网址� said Laura Reid, a sales and design representative for playquest from Campbell River who attended the ceremony.
B次元官网网址淲e work with quite a bit of different nations,B次元官网网址� she added. B次元官网网址淭he would be our first one on Vancouver Island as playquest. This is very exciting for us.
B次元官网网址淚n this particular instance, they wanted to have an integrated playground thatB次元官网网址檚 community driven, a kind of universal one for the community where everyone can use it.B次元官网网址�
ItB次元官网网址檚 referred to as multi-generational and built to ensure low maintenance with nature-based colours and top quality materials to meet the highest safety standards.
B次元官网网址淲e try to use as much of the area in a conscientious way, work with the landscape is basically what we did with this one,B次元官网网址� Reid said.
B次元官网网址淢iddle of August it should be ready to be used. ItB次元官网网址檚 a fairly tiny one, but I think itB次元官网网址檚 going to be used quite a bit.B次元官网网址�
B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 so grateful this is going to happen and I canB次元官网网址檛 think of a better community,B次元官网网址� said Christine Thomas, who received high praise from everyone in attendance for her diligent work.
Lyackson First Nation Chief Richard Thomas, Halalt First Nation Chief James Thomas and HuliB次元官网网址檛un Health SocietyB次元官网网址檚 Health Director Debra Heald emphasized the importance of the project.
B次元官网网址淲e graciously acknowledge the Government of CanadaB次元官网网址檚 significant contribution to supporting improvements in our communities,B次元官网网址� they noted in a joint statement. B次元官网网址淭his project provides a beautiful place for community members to gather and partake in fun and fitness which this new facility will provide. As we move towards the end of the pandemic, the health and well-being of our community is paramount and this project will aid in our recovery.B次元官网网址�
B次元官网网址淲e appreciate the generosity of our relations here in Halalt and keeping us included in the work thatB次元官网网址檚 going on,B次元官网网址� added Richard Thomas. B次元官网网址淕ood to see thereB次元官网网址檚 going to be a park here and good to see our kids get out for a little while. It is a good day.B次元官网网址�
James Thomas thanked Roxy Thomas for her role and getting that voice heard by HuliB次元官网网址檛un.
B次元官网网址淚f we donB次元官网网址檛 ask, we donB次元官网网址檛 get it. Now itB次元官网网址檚 here in Halalt. I appreciate HuliB次元官网网址檛un listening in regards to our health and our children.B次元官网网址�
He also couldnB次元官网网址檛 say enough about the efforts of Christine Thomas.
B次元官网网址淵ou worked really hard for us and we all appreciate it,B次元官网网址� James Thomas said. B次元官网网址淥ur youth will always thank you for that work.
B次元官网网址淐hange is something we need to look forward to. The benefits will be here for us to see in the future.B次元官网网址�
Following the blessing of the ground, Elder Danny Norris had his Thxutstun Drum and Dance Group perform five dances, including the Victory Song to mark the triumph of the project.
B次元官网网址淔or some of them, itB次元官网网址檚 their first time dancing today,B次元官网网址� said Norris.
With short notice to pull the group together, B次元官网网址渨e had to improvise and use our younger dancers which seems kind of fitting to what weB次元官网网址檙e doing today,B次元官网网址� he added.
B次元官网网址淭hanking you all for your presence B次元官网网址� a special day for our young children and all our families that are here.B次元官网网址�
The official opening is already being anxiously awaited.
B次元官网网址淲e will have another celebration when itB次元官网网址檚 all done,B次元官网网址� said James Thomas.
don.bodger@chemainusvalleycourier.ca
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