Residents in Greater Sudbury’s South End area are celebrating the re-opening of the new Lo-Ellen Park outdoor rink.
A ribbon cutting ceremony for the new concrete pad was held next to Lo-Ellen Secondary School on Loach’s Road on Wednesday afternoon.
“Over the past year, the Lo-Ellen Neighbourhood Association raised more than $300,000 for the project which included support from the Rainbow District School Board, Lo-Ellen Secondary student fundraising and more than 30 corporate partners who stepped up with sponsorship funds and value in kind materials and services,” the City of Greater Sudbury said in a news release.
“The City’s Healthy Community Initiative (HCI) Fund also contributed $100,000 to the project.”
Playground volunteers will continue to flood and maintain the ice for people to use as long as the winter weather continues.
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Marisue James is the president of the Lo-Ellen Playground Association.
“It’s an opportunity for, not just the neighbourhood, but the whole community to get outside and play,” James said.
“Just, you know, get out of the basement, put the phone down, put the video games down and just come and play, make new friends.”
She added she wants the playground “to be a safe gathering place not just youth, but adults too and families.”
In the spring, new rink boards, fencing and basketball hoops will also be installed at the rink.
The new concrete pad will also allow for more sports such as ball hockey, skateboarding and pickleball in the spring, summer and fall months.
“Local businesses stepped up with donations, and volunteers worked collaboratively with City staff to create this safe space for children and families to play year-round,” Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre is quoted as saying in the news release.
“We know that play is a vital component of child development and life-long physical activity. Thank you to everyone who worked tirelessly to make this happen.”
Ward 10 Coun. Fern Cormier said he is pleased to see the completed project.
“There is an amazing group of volunteers behind this, and their passion and commitment to uniting our community is truly inspiring,” Cormier is quoted as saying in the news release.
“I couldn’t be more proud of the incredible effort they’ve put into fundraising to make this project a reality.”
