Three Kimberley organizations will benefit from the Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) Basin PLAYS Capital Improvement grants in 2020.
Healthy Kimberley will be receiving $25,000 for the newly proposed Kimberley Adventure Park in the Swan Subdivision.
As the Bulletin reported earlier this month, Kimberley parents Todd Larsen and Jeff Rees have partnered up with Healthy Kimberley to make their dreams for this park become a reality. The CBT grant is one of many they’ve applied for to move the plans for the park forward.
READ MORE: Update on new Kimberley Adventure Park at Swan Avenue
The Kimberley Disabled Skiers Association will also be a recipient of CBT PLAYS grant funds. They will be receiving $1,600 to build a catbox which will safely transport netting for ski races and training.
The Kimberley Nordic Ski Club will see $19,980 for an upgrade to their lodge, making it more suitable for multi-purpose uses.
Not only will Kimberley benefit directly from these funds, but communities across the Basin will as well. 24 projects are being supported by over $377,000 in Basin PLAYS Capital Improvement grants.
“Basin residents told us that investing in projects that encourage children and youth to get involved in sports and physical activity was a priority,” said Aimee Ambrosone, Columbia Basin Trust Executive Director, Delivery of Benefits. “These projects improve accessibility and expand the quality and diversity of relevant infrastructure and equipment to get kids moving.”
Children visiting or staying at Blue Lake Camp near Canal Flats, run by Columbia Outdoor School, will be getting a new challenge: a high-ropes course. This will help users practise their skills in areas like balance, climbing, teamwork and problem solving, said CBT in a press release.
“The course will expose young people to positive recreation experiences,” said Shonna Murphy, Director of Programs. “As well as giving them the opportunity to grow and learn, it will ignite or reignite a passion for participating in outdoor recreation. Many will learn they are capable of things they never thought they could do.”
Disc golfers in Cranbrook can rejoice as well, with additions to the city’s three courses. Nine holes will be added to one course to make it big enough for school groups, while a washroom will be added to another course. The third course will be made more youth-friendly by adding short-distance tee pads.
“We’ve already been successfully providing school workshops to increase youth skills and awareness of the sport,” said Steve Reedyk, Vice-president of the EK Disc Golf Club. “Now, with these projects, these courses will be more suited to all youth and the requirements of successful class trips. They’ll also attract more families.”
READ MORE: Kimberley Public Library benefits from CBT tech grants
The Taghum Community Society will convert a currently unused space outside Taghum Hall into a playground for ages five to 12, along with a landscaped area for running and games.
“A variety of play structures will promote physical activity and the development of physical skills and strength,” said Heather Haake, Chairperson. “It will provide the opportunity for healthy outdoor exercise whenever children drop by the hall, whether just for fun or for events like markets and festivals, the summer day camp and family celebrations.”
In addition to capital improvement grants, Basin PLAYS offers grants that help coaches and officials get accredited training. Learn about everything Basin PLAYS supports at ourtrust.org/basinplays.
corey.bullock@kimberleybulletin.com
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