Photo Karen Graham.
Pictured from left to right are Loyal Orange Lodge members Ed Carman, Joe Lunn, Robert Packman, Mike Stapleton, Betty Packman, Forrest Rowden, George Trotter, Albert Lane at the ribbon cutting celebration for the installation of the Outdoor Fitness facility.
The equipment has been in place since last fall, but it took almost a year to find conditions that allowed a celebration and acknowledgement of the generous legacy gift. Last month, a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to officially open the outdoor facility and thank the organization that made it possible.
The Millbrook branch of the Loyal Orange Lodge provided a $50,000 donation towards the installation of an outdoor fitness facility. The substantial gift will support the community in a way that contributes to family, health and well being. Fitness equipment for adult use has been installed beside the playground outside the Cavan-Monaghan Community Centre. Among the items purchased are a Cardio Stepper, a squat press, an elliptical, a hand-cycler, balance steps and a Chest/Back Press.
Older than the country itself, the Grand Orange Lodge of British America began in Hamilton in 1859 and soon spread through parts of Upper and Lower Canada. Members are bound by a dedication to the Protestant faith, a loyalty to the monarchy and a desire to foster an ongoing respect for their heritage. While their values are traditional, they seek to participate in the modern world by supporting their communities in a variety of ways that honour their forefathers while finding relevance in today’s society. This donation fills the bill.
The outdoor facility became particularly relevant last fall as the pandemic persisted, restricting access to indoor fitness options. Its location beside the children’s playground allows users to provide a role model to younger residents who find less structured ways to get their exercise. This donation will be appreciated by members of the community for years to come. Thank you. KG
