Multi-use Outdoor Facility

Overview:

The Gravelbourg & District Recreation Association is developing a proposal to upgrade the outdoor rink to a facility which can be used year round. Adults, youth and children could be playing hockey, broomball and just plain skating for approximately 4 months, then slip on their runners for the remaining 8 months and enjoy tennis, basketball, floor hockey, soccer, dodge ball, skateboarding and all other recreational activities. As well, concerts or community dances could be held in conjunction with the newly upgraded arena. The possibilities are endless!

Many families from around the world have moved to Gravelbourg. Their children aren’t involved in organized sports for numerous reasons. Offering them a place such as our multi-use outdoor facility will allow them to stay active, have fun and build their community connections. This project will enhance the quality, accessibility and use of our facility, making all users feel welcome in sports regardless of gender, socio-economic background, culture, ability, race, language, and age or skill level. We are building community pride, encouraging volunteerism and community involvement.

The quality of life of our children and youth is a priority of this organization. For instance, the ones who love to skateboard do not have an area of their own. We nearly lost a young boy last spring because of a skateboarding accident. This is an important facility that provides hundreds of our residents with the opportunity to skate, run, play and be safe during the process.

Gravelbourg is in desperate need of a multi-use outdoor facility. As previously stated, it has been used solely as an outdoor arena. There are approximately 8 months out of the year where this current facility is not being used. With the large increase of immigrant families who love to play basketball and the numerous youth who are skateboarders and BMX riders, the demand for such a facility has been on the mind of many for a very long time.

We hope to launch the grand opening of this new Multi-Use Outdoor Facility July 2, 2012.

****Grand Opening: This is about recognizing the community and celebrating what we’ve built together.****

July 1st, 2012: • Ribbon cutting with the Mayor, Town Council and Recreation Board • Photo opportunities with both local newspapers • “Open House” – everyone in the region invited; bbq at noon • Guest Speakers • Afternoon of activities for everyone • Evening dance/social and fireworks!

December to March: Concrete base will be flooded • Public Skating • Hockey • Broom Ball • Scrimmage We will install more lighting for both safety and accessibility. Warm up shelters will be built as well.

April to November: Water has melted to leave a beautiful, smooth floor • Basketball • Badminton • Volleyball • Dodge Ball • Tennis • Floor Hockey/Inline Hockey • Soccer • Dancing • Skateboarding/BMX (purchase of portable skate park units) • Community events, such as dances and concerts Warm up shelters can also be used as dressing rooms or locker rooms, depending on the activity.

This project will benefit roughly 500 people. There will be a steering committee of both adults and multi-cultural youth which will put the plans into motion. This is a ‘hands-on’ project; community involvement of all ages is mandatory for the success of this project.

Gravelbourg is a diverse multicultural community that focuses its efforts in ensuring that all residents are welcomed and included as part of our vibrant and active community life. As a family oriented community, it is a goal to offer the residents the best in recreational facilities and activities. The Gravelbourg & District Recreation Association along with the Town of Gravelbourg and the Sport, Culture & Recreation Director, continue to lead the way in promoting an active, healthy lifestyle to residents of all ages and cultural backgrounds. Recreation plays an important role in everyone’s lives.

Please vote for Gravelbourg and their MULTI-USE OUTDOOR FACILITY project!