Bruderheim awarded thousands of dollars in donations towards local initiatives
When it comes to supporting town initiatives Bruderheim volunteers do not mess around. The resulting efforts of countless volunteers and organizations over the past two years were realized earlier this month.
On Saturday May 11, an emotional Mayor Karl Hauch proudly led the sod breaking ceremony at the scene of what will become Bruderheim’s newest skateboard park. This is phase one of a three phase Community Park project located just east of the Bruderheim AG grounds.
Town CAO Patty Podoborozny shared her thoughts on Bruderheim’s fundraising efforts for their skate part and other initiatives, “I think my favourite quote is from Helen Keller; Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.”
New Line Skateparks started construction on Monday May 13 and will take roughly two months to complete the project.
“We have been 5 years without a skateboard park, our last one was condemned,” noted Hauch at the ceremony.
To meet the $400,000 price tag for phase one, the community spent two years raising $224,000 in addition to $176, 000 in provincial government grants. No tax dollars were used in the Community Park project.
Fundraising was accomplished by way of various activities, organized by local non-profit groups. The most recent being the steak night that took place on Friday May 3. It was an evening in which families gathered at the Karol Mashmeyer Arena for a steak dinner, games as well as a silent auction.
“The steak night event was great. Everyone seemed to have a really good time,” said town councillor Judy Schueler.
The steak night raised more than $9,600 for the project.
In addition to raising the funds for the new skateboard park, steak night was also an opportunity for another presentation to occur.
Amanda Perras, of North West Refinery near Gibbons, presented a check to Mayor Karl Hauch from their Community Investment Grant in the amount of $10,000.
Podoboronzy had submitted an application for the grant to support the Bruderheim Youth Centre, located above the Karol Mashmeyer Arena.
“Vanessa Goodman from North West Refinery has been instrumental in making this donation happen,” explained Hauch. “Many thanks to our friends in industry, business and all ranges of government who gladly support our town initiatives.”
With phase one funding complete, Podoboronzy said the attention would shift to supporting the replacement of a much-needed new school playground.
“It actually brings tears to my eyes that we did it,” she added.
Once the playground is replaced, funding will commence for phase two and three of the community park, which is a splash park and community garden. The project should be completed by 2023.
Written by: Jana Semeniuk
Twitter @jana_semeniuk
news@threesixtyalberta.com