Bible Hill Celebrates New Natural Playground
News Release
Government of Canada supports healthy and active living in Bible Hill
June 18, 2016 – Bible Hill, N.S. - Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Today, the Village of Bible Hill celebrated the grand opening of a newly constructed natural playground. The playground’s construction was supported by a $50,000 non-repayable contribution through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP150).
The construction of the natural playground was spearheaded by the Village of Bible Hill to encourage the young and young at heart to connect with nature and rediscover the beauty of the outdoors in a way that was not previously offered at the park. The natural playground includes the addition of a log climber, a wishing well, and a campfire area, as well as a fallen log, boulders and tunnels to climb on and explore. Not only does this new playground allow for increased interaction with natural elements, it also provides a space for children to be more creative in their play.
Grade 4 students in both Bible Hill Central Elementary School and East Court Road Elementary School were consulted during the design phase of the playground, giving the users of the playground direct input into the final design. The natural playground completes the Bible Hill Recreation Park, which also offers a multi-use field, three baseball fields, a walking track, picnic shelter, splash pad, washroom facilities, two additional playgrounds, a gazebo and a coasting hill. With something for everyone, the Park has become a hub for community events, family outings and outdoor recreation.
The natural playground was also supported by a $16,000 investment from the Province of Nova Scotia, through the Department of Health and Wellness, and a $10,000 contribution from the Municipality of the County of Colchester.
The CIP150 is providing up to $300 million nationally over two years to support projects to rehabilitate, renovate and expand community and recreational infrastructure as part of the Government of Canada’s activities to honour Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation. The program is expected to boost economic activity through infrastructure investments, build community-based partnerships, while supporting the Government’s priorities to promote a clean-growth economy and ensure a better future for Indigenous peoples.
Quotes:
“Government of Canada is pleased to support recreation and active living opportunities, such as this, that contribute to the health and wellness of our communities. Our children are the future of this Country, so it is crucial that they are provided with safe spaces to play and interact with the natural beauty of Canada’s environment.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
“Having a green space that provides a venue for community gatherings and recreation as well as a way for residents to reconnect with nature is important for promoting healthy and active lifestyles. The Bible Hill Recreation Park is a fantastic facility that offers many outlets for sports and adventure, and now provides space for children to explore nature in an urban setting.”
- Bill Casey, Member of Parliament for Cumberland - Colchester
"It’s important to have outdoor recreation facilities, to give Nova Scotians opportunities to be active. This new natural playground will help ensure our children make physical activity a fun part of their day.”
- Tony Ince Minister Communities, Culture and Heritage
“The Municipality of Colchester continues to support the development of community play spaces which connect children with nature. We recognize the tremendous benefits of investing in facilities for families where they can play, explore, and be creative in the outdoors. Natural playgrounds provide more enriching play experiences than traditional playgrounds, and inspire healthy, active children. We are pleased to partner on this natural play space at Bible Hill Recreation Park.”
- Bob Taylor, Mayor of the Municipality of the County of Colchester
“The addition of a natural playground will help our youth gain appreciation for what nature provides as well as the enjoyment of a healthy play environment. The acceptance of this addition by the children has been unbelievable and we are pleased that all levels of government have stepped up in making this playground a reality. Hopefully there will be years of good use and the children will have good memories of their days in this great new Natural Playground.”
- Tom Burke, Commission Chair, Village of Bible Hill
Associated Links:
Village of Bible Hill Website
Bible Hill Recreation Facebook page
Contacts:
| Alex Smith |
Cody Brown |
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