Investing in Communities, Healthier Lifestyles

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NOTE: A list of grants in the Halifax Regional Municipality follows this release.

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A community garden and park at Northwood in Bedford is one of 14 projects in the Halifax Regional Municipality receiving Recreation Facility Development Program grants to help people make physical and community activity a part of their daily lives.

Grants totalling $593,000 were announced today, Aug. 11, by Community Services Minister Kelly Regan, on behalf of Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Leo Glavine.

“Government investments in projects like the Northwood garden and park, playgrounds, recreational facilities, and trails are an important part of helping communities remain connected and vibrant,” said Ms. Regan. “Spaces like the one being developed by Northwood are vital. Organizations should be applauded for bringing together residents of all ages and abilities in an inclusive manner.”

Northwood is building an outdoor recreation space and community garden. Designed for all ages and stages of life, the space is meant for children, families, and persons with disabilities, memory loss and other forms of dementia. It is open to the local, surrounding neighbourhood as well.

“The William E. Frank Live More Park is a unique place for local neighbours both young and old to play and relax, or join in on Northwood’s activities,” said Janet Simm, president and CEO Northwood Group of Companies. “It is a community endeavour that invites older adults, seniors living in care, and adults living with a disability to actively partake, to be with, and to join in.

“Whether gardening in a wheelchair accessible garden bed, walking the dementia-friendly pathways, or swinging on a swing designed for wheelchairs, this is a public space for everybody to enjoy together.”

Northwood is receiving a $50,000 Recreation Facility Development Program grant from the province this year and also received $55,000 from the program last year to develop the space.

“In a society where many have lost, and long for, the value and enjoyment of inter-generational connections, Northwood’s William E. Frank Live More Park is a public space that invites community and diversity,” said Peter Wilde, chair, Northwood board of governors.

Government is investing a total of $1.8 million in Recreation Facility Development Program grants this year for 60 new and upgraded facilities across the province that promote healthy living.

The grants help community groups, municipalities and other not-for-profit organizations develop facilities to increase public participation in sport and physical recreation. Projects include renovations to buildings, developing and maintaining walking trails, and modernizing and creating new fields for sport and recreation.

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Source: Release