The outdoors is a great place to be active. Now there will be even more and better ways to get moving in the fresh air, with 18 projects being supported by Columbia Basin Trust. The intent is to improve community well-being by creating low barrier, outdoor recreational facilities in Basin communities.

“Demand for outdoor recreation assets has grown because of the pandemic and a resulting societal shift toward increased use of outdoor assets and outdoor recreation activities,” said Will Nixon, Senior Manager, Delivery of Benefits, Columbia Basin Trust. “These grants help communities create or improve outdoor recreational facilities that support active, healthy lifestyles.”

Projects focus on spaces like bike parks, multi-use sports courts and playgrounds. In total, they are receiving nearly $1.47 million from the Trust.

Learn more about how the Trust supports outdoor recreation.

Learn more about how the Trust supports community well-being—one of its priorities.

Here are a few of the recipients (see the full list below):

A City Plans Big

For years, Swan Avenue in Kimberley has boasted a basketball court and ice rink. This spot will now expand to become an accessible, multipurpose park with amenities like a zip line, climbing structure, picnic tables, pathway and gazebo, thanks to a project made possible by Healthy Kimberley, the City of Kimberley and a group of dedicated community volunteers.

“If the past two years have taught us anything, it’s that safe, outdoor community spaces are essential for a healthy population,” said Nicole Halasz, Manager of Parks and Facilities, City of Kimberley. “Swan Avenue Park will not simply be a children’s playground; it will be an outdoor gathering space with an innovative design to encourage social interactions and intergenerational play.”

Wheeled Users Get More Space to Play

Golden Freeride Park is a popular spot—and an expansion aims to make it even more attractive to a variety of users. The Golden Skateboard Association is partnering with the Town of Golden to extend the park, built in 2005, to provide additional ways for skateboarders, BMX bikers and other wheeled users to grow and test their skills.

“This expansion project will complement the existing park and bring a new level of engagement and excitement to the space,” said Wade Duchman, President, Golden Skateboard Association.

“Enhancing this outdoor space will promote healthy gatherings and ensure this spot continues to be one of Golden’s best-loved community parks.”

A Playground Gets Creative

A sculpture that kids can play on—made by local artists—will be just one of the features of a new-and-improved playground in Argenta.

The Argenta Community Association playground committee is repairing and relocating the current playground equipment, plus adding elements like a playable sculpture and geodesic dome.

“With a local surge in the youth population, it is clear that now is the time to diversify the play experience for different ages and skill levels, and the project will provide a safe, fun, healthy way for kids to play together outside,” said Swen Birch, Board member.

“We are blessed to have skilled builders and sculptors who have won people’s choice awards at Castlegar Sculpturewalk multiple times. To have something the kids can be inspired by, and that makes them proud of where they are from, is priceless.”

Improving a Slippery Surface

In 2021, the Slocan Park Community Hall Society installed an ice rink for the winter months on the hall’s multipurpose field, which became a big hit with locals. Now it is upgrading the rink by levelling the field and buying an ice rink liner.

“The ice rink has added a place for winter physical activity for children to seniors,” said Ruth Hackett, President.

“It has been a huge success, with skaters of all ages and abilities together on the ice—perfect for COVID winters—and has made the hall’s multipurpose field even more active.”

Lead image: The City of Kimberley will create a multipurpose park on Swan Avenue—here seen with the current basketball court—with support from the Trust. Columbia Basin Trust photos

Columbia Basin Trust supports the ideas and efforts of the people in the Columbia Basin. To learn more about the Trust’s programs and initiatives, and how it helps deliver social, economic and environmental benefits to the Basin, visit ourtrust.org or call 1-800-505-8998.

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