Partnering with the Rotary Club of Cumberland Centennial, the B.C. government is providing $50,000 through a one-time grant to support the redevelopment of Cumberland Village Park's playground, including the replacement of major playground equipment for children, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Bill Bennett announced today.

The Cumberland Village Park is an important community gathering place for recreational activities and a local hub for events like the Lantern Festival Parade and Empire Days. The redevelopment of the playground will make it a much more attractive place for families and provide more variety for young children, plus improve the overall safety of the playground. This is just one part of the renewal project for The Cumberland Village Park, which also includes:

• Washroom building replacement.

• Dog park improvements.

• Bicycle jump park expansion.

• Woodland picnic area enhancements.

• Skate park construction.

• Upgrades to the tennis court.

In addition to these upgrades, a new walkway will be built to make the park more accessible for people with strollers or any mobility aid, such as walkers or wheelchairs.

Quotes:

Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Bill Bennett -

"This playground is not just an investment in the community of Cumberland; it's an investment in our children. This funding grant is another strong statement of how the B.C. government is taking action at a local level to ensure B.C. is the greatest place to live and raise a family."

Comox Valley MLA Don McRae -

"For many families, especially those with young children, the playground is the focal point of their park visits. Funding for this playground project is a wonderful gift to this community and is a perfect way to meet the needs of families."

The Village of Cumberland Mayor Leslie Baird -

"I am thrilled that Cumberland is receiving this grant to help fund the new playground at Cumberland Village Park. Providing places where children can run around, be active and have fun is a quintessential part of childhood and an important factor in encouraging a love for physical activity at a young age that can carry on throughout life."

Rotary Club of Cumberland Centennial immediate past president Deborah Nolan -

"We are extremely grateful to receive this grant. This playground project is a vital part of Cumberland Village Park. With this funding, we can build a terrific place for community connections where families and friends can meet, hang out with their children and stay active."

Learn More:

Check out the B.C. government's role in supporting sport, arts and culture through the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development at: http://www.gov.bc.ca/cscd

Media Contact:

Matt Gordon
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 953-3677