A number of local neighbourhood associations will receive a funding boost this year. The City of Grande Prairie plans to hand out $17,995 to six groups through the 2018 Neighbourhood Enhancement Matching Grant.
Each year, associations are given money to start or finish improvement projects. One of this year’s recipients was the Country Club Neighbourhood Association. It received $5,000 which Aspen Grove Principal Mike Humbke says will go towards beautifying the space between the school’s modular classrooms.
“We’re hoping to install basketball hoops out there for families to enjoy, paint some lines on the existing tarmac area; you know just fun activities for families to enjoy. Just help connect the families to the school and for our school to be viewed the hub for the neighbourhood.”
The Westpointe Neighbourhood Association in partnership with the South West 40 Playground Society also received $5,000. They plan to use the money to finished the playground at Isabel Campbell school and to add some finishing touches such as benches and a gazebo.
South West 40 playground Society Co-Chair Wayne Gour says the playground has been in the works for a while and it’ll be good to see it finished.
“I think everybody’s been anxiously waiting to see it come to completion. They had a school for approximately two and a half years with no playgrounds; they just had grass to play in… Once it’s all done in the coming summer, I think they’ll be able to enjoy the playground for years to come.”
Other 2018 recipients include:
Cobblestone and Riverstone Neighbourhood Associations – $3,330.00 to install three garbage cans along the east side walking trails
Hillside Neighbourhood Association, in partnership with Hillside Elementary School – $690 to purchase literacy items for kids to use during non-school hours
Swanavon Neighbourhood Association – $1,575 for additional banners to welcome visitors and residents to the community
Highland Park Neighbourhood Association – $2,400 to purchase and install six lending libraries throughout the neighbourhood