WILKIE--Twenty-some people came out to help the Town of Wilkie celebrate the grand opening of their new 2nd Avenue Park, Sept. 13. Mayor David Ziegler cut the ribbon, held by Connor Piller and Lori Fenrich. Piller is acting administrator for the town and Fenrich is the parks and recreation director as well as the economic development officer.
Ziegler opened the event by welcoming everyone and acknowledging funding from Western Economic Diversification Canada and the town.
He continued by saying, “This beautiful park was built by community volunteers, town council and staff. Hundreds of hours were invested to achieve this great and powerful space for our community to enjoy.
“This space has created a place for morning coffee, small business to thrive and even young entrepreneurs to put on a few lemonade stands over the summer months. The community support for these endeavours is fantastic and great to see, and I look forward to what the future holds for everyone.”
The mayor gave special recognition to former administrator Lana Gerein, now retired, for coming up with the concept, and to Fenrich, who successfully applied for the funding grant and then oversaw the development. “Those two were instrumental in getting this going,” he said.
Jackie Gallon, constituency assistant for MLA Ryan Domotor, was present to represent Domotor and extended congratulations on behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan.
Wilkie’s 2nd Avenue Park is a downtown green space which includes areas such as a boardwalk, gazebos, landscaping, picnic tables, lights and flower planters, as well as small sheds. It has already hosted organized events, such as barbecue fundraisers and a farmers market, as well as many unofficial gatherings of friends and residents.
The grand opening culminated with serving of a special cake, baked by Kelly Ziegler.
