The final phase of the Brown Drive Kin Park playground remains on the curb while the Ladysmith Kinsmen continue to work at fundraising for the project.
The project, which has been a community labour of love over the past year, has seen the installation of two sets of playground equipment for children of a variety of ages, as well as considerable landscaping.
The last set of playground equipment would cater to older children, and the estimated cost is about $54,000 before taxes.
According to Kinsmen member Duck Paterson, Henderson Recreational Equipment Ltd., the company that has been providing the playgrounds for the project, has said that if Phase 3 was completed by the end of 2012, it would kick in a brand-new swing set worth almost $3,000.
“It would be amazing to have done that whole project within two years,” said Paterson. “Other than Transfer Beach and the schools, it’s the only playground in the north side of Ladysmith.”
So far, about $15,000 has been raised, including a $500 donation from the Pulp, Paper and Woodworkers of Canada; a $1,000 donation from Yellow Point Lodge and a ground cover donation by Ryler Trucking.
The Kinsmen are waiting to hear back from the gaming commission about a grant they have applied for, and they are waiting on budget approval of a $10,000 donation from the Town of Ladysmith.
“Our fundraising is still going on,” Paterson said. “We’re looking at different ideas right now.”
In the meantime, Brown Drive Kin Park continues to provide entertainment and enjoyment to Ladysmith’s youth.
“We’re very surprised at how well it’s been received because it’s different than what was there before,” Paterson said. “It’s taken off. I live just around the corner, and unless it’s absolutely pouring, there’s always at least a couple of kids on it.
“When we finished doing Phase 1, as we walked away, the kids were already coming in to play on it.”
Those wishing to donate to the project can do so at the Ladysmith and District Credit Union.
There is also an account at the Ladysmith Bottle Depot for those wanting to donate the proceeds from their recycled cans and bottles. Those unable to bring them into the depot can have them picked up by calling Duck Paterson at 250-245-2263.
“We have about $500 at the bottle depot, but we could sure use a heck of a lot more,” he said.