Government is supporting an active transportation project in Port Hawkesbury that will create a safe walking route between community hubs and the new Port Hawkesbury recreation park.
Energy Minister Michel Samson announced today, Oct. 24, the Strait Area Trails Association will receive a $20,000 grant from the province’s sustainable transportation program, Connect2.
With this funding the association will continue work on the Recreation Development Initiative to finish the connection between the Tamarac Education Centre, surrounding subdivisions, and the Port Hawkesbury Recreation Park. The group will also begin construction of a connection from the Oakley ballfield to the recreation park and newly refurbished basketball courts.
“This trail will allow children to walk safely to and from the park and enjoy the new playground,” said Mr. Samson. “Encouraging active living is important for so many reasons; especially for our young people. As a father with a young daughter, I know the importance of getting our young people outside, exploring, playing and being active.”
“The new connectors will make for a great outdoor experience for families whether they are walking the trails or heading to the new playground and splash pad at the recreation park,” said Larry MacKeigan, association president. “This has been made possible by the dedication of community-minded volunteers and businesses and with the support of government.”
Connect2’s goal is to create and promote active transportation options for trips of two kilometres or less between community hubs in rural and urban parts of the province.
In addition to the Connect2 funding, the province announced a $20,000 Recreation Facility Development grant for change rooms and bathrooms near the park. This is in addition to a $54,500 Recreation Facility Development grant and a $5,000 Community Recreation Capital Grant to build a splash pad, which were announced in 2014. The splash pad, change rooms and washrooms will make it more convenient for families to enjoy healthy outdoor activities.
More Connect2 projects will be announced in the coming weeks and all will be completed by March 10, 2017.
For more information, visit http://novascotia.ca/sustainabletransportation/.
Source: Release