Nine enhancement and improvement projects around the Basin

Year-round, people in the Columbia Basin get together outside to enjoy themselves and connect with each other. Eight communities are now undertaking nine projects to make public spaces even more inviting and useable with support from nearly $1.43 million from Columbia Basin Trust’s Community Outdoor Revitalization Grants.

“A welcoming outdoor space can touch upon people’s lives in so many ways,” said Will Nixon, Senior Manager of Delivery of Benefits, Columbia Basin Trust. “From adding picnic spots and fire pits, to larger structures like gazebos and stages, communities throughout the region have focused on enhancing their spaces to get people safely together outdoors, as health regulations allow.”

The Trust’s Community Outdoor Revitalization Grants help communities create, restore or enhance welcoming, safe and vibrant outdoor multi-use community spaces that support community gathering and programming. Learn more at ourtrust.org/communityoutdoorgrants.

Here are a few examples of the most recent projects approved:

Quick Access to Nature 

It’s easy to step right from downtown Elkford into nature, thanks to the multi-use path along Boivin Creek. The District of Elkford will make this stretch even more inviting by undertaking activities like upgrading the trail, improving access to it, and adding fencing, lighting, signage and seating.

“Elkford’s downtown core, including the Boivin Creek Corridor, is bursting with potential,” said Jeremy Johnston, Director of Planning and Development Services, District of Elkford. “This project will take us a step closer to re-envisioning the corridor as a place where locals and visitors of all ages and abilities can gather with friends and family as they enjoy and celebrate Elkford’s substantial natural amenities right downtown.”

Spots for Playing and Picnicking

The Johnsons Landing Community Hall is a popular place—and will become even more welcoming and safe thanks to the Johnsons Landing Community Association’s upcoming project. This will include building fences to create a clear boundary between the children’s play area and the parking lot, plus adding picnic tables and storage.

“Residents of Johnsons Landing value the hall tremendously as it’s the only public access building in the community and is the heart and hub of our social connections,” said Karen Newmoon, Chair. “This project is all about making our outdoor area more user friendly through keeping people safe, protecting our grass and play areas and making the space more inviting for outdoor social interactions.”

Modernizing for This Century

Many people have enjoyed Centennial Park in New Denver for its playground, beach, campground and Kohan Reflection Garden, to attend events like the Hills Garlic Festival, May Days and adaptive sports programs, or simply to enjoy its spectacular view. Last year, the Trust supported the village to develop a Centennial Park Master Plan. From the public engagement undertaken through the Master Plan process, residents of the village determined how they wanted the park to evolve – soon the park will have even more impressive amenities, including a new covered stage, a patio featuring a fire pit and benches, and year-round washrooms.

“Investing in this space creates a welcoming park and improved services, benefiting residents and enticing others to visit and stay,” said Jessica Rayner, Community Planner. “The result will be an attractive, thoughtfully designed, inclusive facility that will attract visitors and gatherings throughout the year.”

A Park for All Weather

Rain, shine or snow, people will have a place to shelter in RossGlen Park as they enjoy events, attend programs or simply hang out. That’s one of the goals of the City of Rossland’s project, which includes building a gazebo and upgrading landscaping.

“The city regularly receives requests from members of the community looking for a covered, outdoor location to hold family reunions and small weddings or offer outdoor recreation programming,” said Kristi Calder, Manager of Recreation and Events. “Once complete, the park will offer a unique, safe and inclusive location for community members to gather and recreate.”

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.

Columbia Basin Trust operates in the unceded traditional territories of the Ktunaxa, Lheidli T’enneh, Secwepemc, Sinixt and Syilx Nations.

Lead image: The District of Elkford is adding fencing, lighting, signage and seating to the Boivin Creek Corridor with support from Columbia Basin Trust’s Community Outdoor Revitalization Grants. e-KNOW file photo/ remaining images by Columbia Basin Trust

Columbia Basin Trust

 

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