The Arcola Optimist Club has been hard at work with two large projects over the summer. One has come fully to fruition as a new play structure was put up in the main park in Arcola.
"This was put up to replace an existing structure the Optimists put up about 20 years ago," Blake Brownridge, Optimist President, stated. "It was done mostly for safety reasons."
Brownridge explained that the old playground equipment, following changes in safety regulations, was no longer up to code and funds were needed for a new play park.
"Basically it needed to be updated for the town and we were in a good place to put the money towards it and make it happen."
The Optimists decided this was an important investment for the community and through money raised at past snowmobile rallies there was enough to cover the costs from a company in Saskatoon. With volunteers taking down the old equipment and readying the area for the new play structure the company then installed the new equipment.
There are a few finishing touches for the playground to be done in the next little while after the ground dries, but the Optimists are happy to have the new structure available for the youth in the community.
The second major project the Optimists have been working on is the MacMurray Theatre. Last year plans came together to completely renovate the inside of the theatre including new seats, new flooring, and a fresh coat of paint. They have been working diligently and hope to introduce the new theatre in October or November.
Both projects have taken up most of the summer, but have been well worth the time and money according to Brownridge.
Though the summer is quieter for the Optimists in general, they do have many plans entering the fall and winter months, which they hope to continue receiving the amazing support of the community in the Optimist's ventures.
