PARK OFFICIALLY OPEN.
BURK’S FALLS – A heavy rainfall and vandalism could not thwart the enthusiasm of people celebrating the grand opening of the new Burk’s Falls Community Playground.
According to Coun. Lisa Morrison, bolts on the equipment had been loosened. But, a team jumped into action fixed what need to be fixed and strengthened the equipment even further, before the celebration.
The Saturday event included music by the Usual Suspects, a barbecue, cake and a number of children happy to be crawling over monkey bars, swinging on the new swing set or jumping in puddles.
More than $10,000 was raised through fundraising donations and this summer the Ontario Trillium Foundation came through with a $40,000 grant that made the playground a reality.
Morrison thanked the volunteers and members of council for their support.
“Especially (reeve Cathy Still) for all her support. Without her, I would have gotten nowhere,” she said.
Kay Tod, OTF representative, says as the lead reviewer of the application, she was happy to recommend that the funding go through.
Tod, stepped in for Parry Sound/Muskoka MPP Norm Miller and presented Still with a plaque that will hang in the Village office.
“We will continue fundraising. We’ll add stuff to the park for the older children,” said Still. “If they respect this park and intend to look after it.”