WINDTHORST - The Windthorst Community Arena and the Village of Windthorst have announced that construction of a new outdoor recreational facility will soon begin.
This facility is possible thanks to a $120,000 investment from the Government of Canada through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund. The remaining $40,000 will be provided by the Windthorst Lions Club, Windthorst Recreation Board, the Village of Windthorst and the Windthorst Arena.
“Windthorst & District Lions Club spearheaded the project and applied for the grant through the Windthorst Arena last July,” said Bernard Steele, member of the Windthorst & District Lions Club.
The Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) helps communities rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic. The fund assists non-profit organizations, municipalities, community groups and Indigenous communities across Canada to build and improve community infrastructure projects. The CCRF is a two-year, $500 million national infrastructure program to revitalize communities across Canada.
A couple of years ago, a space beside the arena was made into an area for crokicurl, and since then a group of individuals thought it would also be great if something could be made in that area to use in the summertime.
Steele then took the idea to a Lions’ meeting and proposed the idea of paving the area west of the arena, where the old arena stood, and turning it into basketball and pickleball courts, as there is quite an active group in town who play pickleball indoors throughout the winter months.
“It’s pretty exciting,” says Steele about being approved for the grant to build this facility.
“The $120,000 will basically cover the pavement and the fencing. The remaining $40,000 will go towards the prepping of the soil, lighting, equipment and painting of lines, etc.”
Work on the outdoor facility is scheduled to begin before the end of May, weather permitting, and scheduled to be completed by the fall of 2022.
The facility will consist of a paved and fenced area that will feature basketball nets, tennis and pickleball courts, and can be used for a variety of activities, including street hockey and roller blading. The facility will be open to the public to use free of charge. It will be located on the west side of the arena close to the ball diamonds and campgrounds. Lighting will be added so the facility can be used in the evenings as well.
The outdoor recreational facility will provide a great space for residents of all ages from Windthorst and surrounding areas to be active and play on a paved surface year-round. It will also provide a venue to host fundraising events and activities, like sports tournaments, in the community.
There are endless ideas to make use of the facility – possibly hold movie nights and such, and even watching a Rider game outdoors on a big screen.
When there’s no sports being played, enthusiasts can use the area to walk for exercise.
In a news release to the community of Windthorst, PrairiesCan Minister Daniel Vandal said: “Our government is supporting infrastructure projects that help communities rebound from the pandemic through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund. Community spaces help maintain the physical and mental health of residents, foster social connections, and stimulate the local economy.
Through this investment, the community of Windthorst adds a vibrant community hub that will bring people together and attract visitors to the community.”
The facility will definitely see more use throughout the summer but the group is open to ideas for use in the winter months as well.
Contact Bernard Steele at 306-495-7550 if you have any questions or suggestions.
