Communities in Bonavista Area Obtain Recreational Funding

The Greenspond Trail Committee and St. Mark’s Elementary have each been given $15,000 through the Provincial Government’s Capital Grant Program to assist with upgrades to outdoor recreational infrastructure.

“The Greenspond Trail Committee will use their funding to help renovate the Greenspond boardwalk, while St. Mark’s Academy will repair the school’s playground,” said the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. “Constructing and maintaining recreational infrastructure such as this is an important component to helping residents of all ages lead a healthy, active lifestyle.”

Both the Greenspond Trail Committee and St. Mark’s Elementary are among more than 50 community-based organizations, municipalities and recreation commissions that have received funding to upgrade their recreation and sport infrastructure through these latest Capital Grant Program investments.

“The Greenspond Walking Trail is used not only by residents but also by people from the neighboring communities and the many tourists who visit the area,” said the Honourable Harry Harding, Minister of Government Services and MHA for Bonavista North. “I am delighted with the Provincial Government funding and I want to commend those local residents who have volunteered hundreds of hours repairing and maintaining the trail.”

The Honourable Roger Fitzgerald, MHA for Bonavista South, is pleased with the Provincial Government’s commitment to improving recreational infrastructure, such as community playgrounds.

“It is important that our children have safe and well maintained facilities and areas to play in,” said the Honourable Roger Fitzgerald, MHA for Bonavista South. “We are encouraging our children to become more active. These upgrades will provide the students of St. Marks Elementary with the means to be physically active while also having fun.”

Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador provides $11.5 million to support recreation and sport in the province. Since the launch of the Provincial Government’s recreation and sport strategy, Active, Healthy Newfoundland and Labrador (2007), more than $70 million has been committed to recreational and sport infrastructure, programming, and athlete development throughout the province.

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2011 08 19                                                                             11:05 a.m.