September 23, 2006
Cavendish, Prince Edward Island
The dog days of summer may be over, but a new community
park in the heart of Cavendish continues to welcome
Islanders and visitors alike.The official opening and naming ceremony for the Stewart
Homestead Community Park was held today. Named for the
family that occupied the property since Cavendish's early
settlement, the park consists of three acres of green space
located at the entrance of Cavendish's newest theme park,
Shining Waters Family Fun Park,
on Route #6.Working together, the federal government, the Resort
Municipality, the Central Development Corporation and a
local developer identified the need for this kind of
tourism and community infrastructure in Cavendish, one of
PEI's premiere family destinations."Canada's New Government is proud to help Atlantic
communities build the infrastructure they need to remain
vibrant and strong," said the Honourable Peter MacKay,
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic
Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). "The Stewart Homestead
Community Park will enhance the experience of visitors to
the area, and will also be an important meeting place for
the community."The strategic layout of the Stewart Homestead Community
Park and the Shining Waters Family Fun Park, which share a
common access road and parking lot, ensures that each park
serves as a gateway to the other.The community park will provide visitors with a variety of
amenities, including picnic shelters, washroom facilities,
a covered festival pavilion and landscaped grounds and
walkways."This project has been made possible through the
cooperation of ACOA, community representatives and Shining
Waters Family Fun Park," said Norman Gallant, Chairman of
the Central Development Corporation. "Having a community
park in the area will open up new opportunities for the
community to generate additional revenues in the shoulder
tourism season." "The Stewart Homestead Community Park is a welcomed
addition to Cavendish and will serve both visitors and
Islanders," said Matthew Jelley, President, Shining Waters
Family Fun Park. "The community park together with Shining
Waters will attract a variety of visitors and will have a
positive economic impact on other tourism operators in the
area. We are pleased to have been able to partner with the
community to make this project a reality."Through its Innovative Communities Fund, ACOA contributed
$483,900 to the Central Development Corporation for the
creation of the community park. Shining Waters Family Fun
Park contributed the land and an additional $165,000 in
cash and in-kind contributions.Groups or individuals wishing to host reunions, festivals
or other events at the Stewart Homestead Community Park may
contact Shining Waters Family Fun Park at 902-963-3939.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The official opening and naming ceremony was held today for
the Stewart Homestead Community Park. Located on Route #6
in the heart of Cavendish, the new park is situated on
three acres of land located at the upper end of Shining
Waters Family Fun Park. The community park has received
financial support from ACOA and the private developer
behind Shining Waters.People wishing to host reunions, festivals or other events
at the Stewart Homestead Community Park may contact Shining
Waters Family Fun Park at 902-963-3939.
Jana Parker
ACOA PEI & Tourism
(902) 368-0264
Matthew Jelley
Shining Waters Family Fun Park
(902) 963-3939
