UNITY — The first intermission of the final game of the season at Unity’s Community Centre arena held a special presentation, as several of Unity’s recreation user groups bestowed their thanks and appreciation to departing Parks and Recreation Director Nicole Headrick.
Unity Minor Hockey president Dan Feser spoke on behalf of Unity Minor Hockey, Unity Minor Ball and Unity Skating Club, offering these words, “The world is full of dreamers and not enough doers. We were lucky to have both, which is why we have the wonderful rink renovation and are able to hold a championship game in mid-April.
“With her dedication, determination and positive attitude, Nicole Headrick, became a very good friend to Unity Minor Hockey, Unity Skating Club and Unity Minor Ball as well as every service club who has worked with her.”
Feser noted that while Headrick served as Unity’s Parks and Recreation director for a short period of time, and she has made a huge impact on the community.
He asked for acknowledgement and the huge game crowd offered thundering applause and a raucous noisemaker chorus in thanks and appreciation for her work.
Under Headrick’s leadership, a massive bat colony was taken care of, as she orchestrated bat houses to be built and erected to return the bats for all the environmental benefits they bring. Her leadership also saw the completion of an extensive exterior and interior arena renovation. With her help a new dressing room and meeting room addition to the Unity Curling Club was opened. These are only some of the accomplishments that happened under Headrick’s service in her role with the town of Unity.
Headrick also received the 2022 Rivers West Sports, Culture and Recreation “Recreation Director of the Year” award, along with the Unity Community Centre being named “Recreation Venue of the Year.” A March 4 story on SASKTODAY.ca RWSCR names Unity and Kerrobert in awards announcement - Â鶹ÊÓƵ.ca gives more details on her nomination and award.
Hundreds of residents voiced their sadness once they learned of her departure from the position. “Nicole has left some big shoes to fill.” “You would be hard pressed to look at the multiple improvements in our recreation venues, places and spaces to not recall the hand she had in all of it.” “We are sad to lose Wonder Woman in the rec director role.”
The fundraising group for the new signage and markers at the cemetery says her efforts were key in seeing the project through to completion.
Headrick was often see working hands-on with summer students, boards insertion and removal at outdoor arena each year as well as cleaning up after big events at the rink.
The town of Unity is currently advertising for her replacement.