Shelburne embraces accessible outdoor recreation
News release
Government of Canada contribution helps local park make facility upgrades
June 21, 2024 · Shelburne, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Our communities thrive when residents and visitors of all abilities can enjoy public spaces. The Government of Canada has invested to help make a community park and trail more accessible.
Making the outdoors more user friendly
Today, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, announced a $200,000 non-repayable contribution to the Municipality of the District of Shelburne for upgrades to improve the accessibility of Welkum Park and the Jordan River trail.
The project supported the installation of a floating dock and a mobi-mat, making it easier for visitors with mobility challenges – including wheelchair users and parents with strollers – to access the beach and the water from the parking lot. Other upgrades included the creation of accessible pathways throughout the park, a natural play space, and sensory panels containing textures, bright colours and fun activities. The playground was updated with an accessible swing set, new rubber surface and easier-to-access sorting bins. The project also supported the resurfacing of the Jordan River trail.
The Government of Canada is commited to supporting projects that allow all Canadians, regardless of their abilities, to participate in the recreational activities of their choosing, contributing to a stronger and more inclusive community.
Quotes
“Taking barriers out of the way is going to help everyone get outside and make the most of their summer in Shelburne.”
- The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“The Municipality is proud of the upgrades at Welkum Park, enabling users of all abilities to enjoy this wonderful and unique recreation destination. Accessibility is a priority for the Municipality, and the support from ACOA was instrumental in making our vision for Welkum Park become a reality.”
- Penny Smith, Warden, Municipality of the District of Shelburne
Quick facts
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The Municipality of the District of Shelburne is showcasing the upgrades at Welkum Park on Saturday, June 22 at 11:30 a.m. with facility tours, the opportunity to try the Hippocampe (all-terrain wheelchair), yard games, and a free BBQ.
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Welkum Park is owned by the Municipality of Shelburne, and is one of the only lakefront beaches in the municipality that has public access.
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The mobi-mat is a portable beach access mat that provides a stable and firm surface for pedestrians, wheelchairs, strollers, and bicycles. The mat can run directly into the water allowing for easier access to the lake.
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The Jordan River trail is a 2.6 km, multi-use trail that follows the salt marshes and passes over the former CN bridge.
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The funding announced today is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s (ACOA) Innovative Communities Fund (ICF).
Associated links
Contacts
Connor Burton
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Connor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Lauren Sinclair
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
782-641-3411
Lauren.Sinclair@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Adam Dedrick
Director of Recreation & Parks
Municipality of the District of Shelburne
902-875-3544 ext. 225
Adam.Dedrick@municipalityofshelburne.ca
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