The community has come together to support the Bridgewater Skatepark.
Earlier this year the project was in danger of falling apart due to a lack of public contributions.
Jennifer McDonald says she’s amazed by how quickly people took up the cause.
“People jumped on board and they came with new energy. A new skatepark has been built in Queens County and got people reinvigorated and they can’t wait to see that happen right here in their own backyard.”
McDonald says that support is part of what helped them secure funding from the province.
A grant for $73,000 has been provided to help them get the project off the ground.
She says they’re hoping to possibly see ground broken before the end of summer.
Just over $402,000 has been raised so far and $500,000 is needed for phase one of the project.
Other community projects also receiving provincial funding include:
-$74,000 to the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg for the River Ridge Common
-$35,000 to the Woodland Multi-use Trail Association, Shelburne Co., for trail upgrades
-$19,330 to the Mariners Centre in Yarmouth for arena upgrades for sledge hockey
-$13,396 to the Shelburne County Arena Association for arena upgrades
-$11,500 to the Mahone Bay and Area Pool Society for outdoor pool upgrades.
Meanwhile, more businesses have invested in the Bridgewater skatepark project as well.
Risk management and insurance companies Arthur J. Gallagher and Frank Cowan have teamed up to present a cheque worth $5,000.
Derryl Wilson with Arthur J. Gallagher says it’s important for big companies to give back.
“We live and work in Nova Scotia and we believe in giving back to communities in which we have involvement.”
Wilson says he’s proud his company is investing in a project encouraging active living.