Grey Highlands council is taking next steps in the Maxwell Community Park project.
During a meeting on July 20, a report was brought forward by Economic and Community Development Officer Krista House. It recommended council approve the project for the purpose of project initiation and fundraising.
The report says on June 15, the Maxwell Park Committee delegated to council, bringing forward its proposal to develop a new park in the community of Maxwell. Staff were directed to work with the committee and report back on opportunities to move the project forward.
Later on June 22, staff met with Cody Maxwell of the Maxwell park committee, to gain an understanding of the project and talk about what would be needed to formally start the project. The project would need approval in principle to allow the group to begin fundraising efforts.
The report says the committee recognizes how this approval is just the first step, and further discussions and approvals will be needed as plans for the park are finalized.
This existing municipally-owned park area and ball field are informal, and has no defined infield or dugouts to facilitate official ball games, according to the report.
The area is occasionally used by local families, including Mennonite children.
The report adds the committee is confident having a new park and playground would provide significant enhanced opportunities to support the entire community. Plans for the park include hitching posts for horse and buggies.
The committee has requested that the municipality receive donations for the project and issue charitable donation receipts. They also requested $8,500 be allocated for the purchase of a new swing set for Maxwell, which was approved through the 2022 municipal budget process. These funds would be used to leverage other project funds for the purchase and installation of new play equipment such as swings and other amenities.
The committee is also requesting the municipality work with them in applying for grants that require direct municipal involvement.
The project has a price tag of about $205,000, which includes a request for $50,000 from the municipality as part of the 2023 budget process. The remaining $155,000 is anticipated to come from grants and private donations.
The committee is aiming to begin construction next year, with the goal of making this year, the dedicated time for planning and fundraising.
Coun. Cathy Little says, “we are seeing a lot of growth in similar initiatives coming forward in our villages and it is really great to see the vibrancy in the community.”
