Photo supplied.
Watch for construction to begin next month on a new park in the village.
Since receiving word that they had secured $10,000 from the insurance giant Aviva late last fall for their accessible playground, the congregation of Millbrook Christian Assembly has been busy. With a fundraising goal of $185,000, they have been completing grant applications and hosting fundraising events to ensure they can complete the first phase of a large playground installation located beside the parking lot of their building on King St. West in Millbrook. The time line is tight but critical: the Aviva grant was conditional upon the project being completed within the year.
To their credit, the fundraising committee charged with the task of accumulating this sum has raised almost $116,500 so far, through a combination of community fundraising events, local business and private donations, as well as grants and contests. While they still have $68,000 to go to complete the second phase of the project, this achievement allows them to proceed with the first installation this fall.
The first phase is scheduled to break ground, weather permitting, by the second week of November and completed by the end of the month. The equipment order will be submitted shortly. Their equipment supplier, Playground Planners of Ottawa, was selected after project leaders saw one of the firm’s installations in Madoc. The order is being held off until the last minute, as the project organizers are hoping to secure an additional $4,000 which will allow them to add four individual spinners (see photo) to the initial installation rather leaving them to phase two.
With much of the activity in town these days is focused on facilities near the new development, Millbrook Christian Assembly’s congregation was eager to establish recreation opportunities in the village. This playground incorporates features that are safe and exciting for children of all abilities, and welcome children with disabilities while providing appropriate challenges and stimulation. The attraction includes sensory stations with swings, spinners and hammocks as well as more traditional equipment. In short, this attraction will be enjoyable for everyone.
With almost two-thirds of their target raised, the congregation has faith that they will meet their goal, through a combination of their work and God’s help. Phase two of the project is expected to be completed in 2020.
To learn more about the project or offer support, visit the church website, www.mca-eod.org and search Harvest Community Park. Charitable receipts provided for donations. KG
