News Release - February 6, 2018
An Improved Huxley Community Park
The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) has completed the first phase of improvements at Huxley Community Park. The improvements include a new playground, resurfaced tennis courts and new sport court perimeter boards that are now open and ready for the community to enjoy. Gabriola Island has a 'new' place to play.Huxley Community Park was created in 1987, and has a long history of community and volunteer support in the development and maintenance of park facilities. The park was donated to the RDN as a community park in 2011. With community input, a conceptual master plan for the park was completed in 2014 which identifies a long-term vision for the Park, including the recently completed updates along with the future Gabriola Skatepark. "The Huxley Community Park improvements closely align with our current Board Strategic Plan to ensure recognition and focus on recreation amenities as core services to our district," said RDN Chair Bill Veenhof.
The playground initiative was made possible through contributions from the Gabriola Lions Club and by the Community Fund for Canada's 150th, a collaboration between the Nanaimo Foundation, the Government of Canada, and extraordinary leaders from coast to coast to coast. Improvements to the tennis and sports courts were supported by the Gabriola Ball Hockey Association and Western Economic Diversification Canada's Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program.
"Investing in facilities that support healthy and thriving communities is at the heart of our Canada 150 celebrations," said the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada. "Whether it's playing sports or exploring the new playground, the improvements to Huxley Community Park will provide a place for Gabriola residents to come together and make lasting memories for years to come."
"Huxley Community Park is very important to the Gabriola Island residents," said Howard Houle, Electoral Area Director B. "Thank you to our contributions and efforts of our community, the Park enhancements are exciting and welcomed by all." An official opening will take place in the spring of 2018. Further details will be released closer to the opening. More information on Huxley Community Park and the improvements can be found at www.rdn.bc.ca/huxley.
Contact:
Elaine McCulloch
Parks Planner
Regional District of Nanaimo
250-248-4744
[email protected]