VOTE NOW TO HELP US GET A NEW LOOK FOR KUGLUKTUK! http://www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf17275 "We envision a community that is healthy, strong and active; one that is less involved in drugs, alcohol, and vandalism but more involved in the regular participation of recreation and sports." The recreation department and volunteers would like to encourage our community to engage in recreational, cultural, and wellness related activities ALL year round. Our goal is to provide fun and rewarding opportunities for individuals and families and to all age groups. Phase 1: Having just the community recreation complex as a facility for the community and programming is not practical for accommodating the various age groups and large number of youth. With this in mind, we have begun and are nearing the end phase 1 of this project by building a 4365 square foot Youth Centre that will have purposeful programming. We've purchased two new playgrounds to be installed in different areas of the community -- replacing the run down, dangerous ones. Phase 2: Renovating Lapointe Park into a multi-use area for youth, adults and especially families to play and socialize on a regular basis. Currently Lapointe Park is a desolate, abandoned looking ball diamond with falling down fencing and water-logged players' area. There is also a run down basketball court and old BMX track that looks more like rolling hills than challenging jumps and climbs. Our vision of the NEW Lapointe Park would include: GAZEBO and GRASS: this area would have actual grass for families to spend time on picnicking, flying kites, having BBQS and birthday parties. There will be a gazebo in the middle for shade and for musical performances by local musicians and artists during summer and special events. A stationary BBQ and benches will be onsite for use. We will also have it fenced off with just and entrance for walking in order to maintain the grass and prevent motorized vehicles and bikes to enter and ruin the grass during the summer and winter. BASEBALL DIAMOND: will be level, have a sturdy and safe fence, proper dugouts with benches and shelter from the sun for players, a tall and safe backstop. BMX TRACK and HALF PIPE: a track with jumps and climbs to challenge users physically and in skill. There will also be a half pipe to practice tricks and turns. The youth & adults will no longer have to scavenge the community for wood and old items to create their own ramps and bike park as well as public buildings will no longer have to remind bikers and skateboarders to play elsewhere. OUTDOOR RINK and BASKETBALL COURT: the basketball court, ball and ice hockey rink will be cemented and have boards around the area.This will be the site of the recreational league and special events or tournaments. OTHER FEATURES: the entire area will be levelled off, set properly and drainage/ditches developed to ensure that the area stays dry and the way we want. A proper designated parking lot that will be blocked off with rocks will provide ease with parking and discourage motorized vehicles in the play area. We will put garbage bins throughout the park to encourage users to keep the area clean, benches to provide comfort for spectators and parents, and swings for those youth who may not wish to play a ball sport or bike. BUDGET PHASE 1 - nearly completion: $115,000 - playgrounds:The second playground will be installed in spring of 2014. $250,000 - Youth Centre: for renovations - electrical, flooring, walls, painting, furnishings, etc. Youth Centre is nearing completion with painting being done in October 2013. PHASE 2: $75,000 - Ground work: drainage, filling areas and preparing the entire area to be used. $200,000 -- supplies and materials for: ball diamond, gazebo and grass area, half pipe, basketball court/rink, swings and benches SUSTAINABILITY The Hamlet of Kugluktuk has already committed to this project by fundraising, seeking funding and sponsorship for the completion of Phase 1. We have also committed to developing programming and ensuring the up keep and maintenance of these new facilities through the Recreation Department, Hamlet Building Maintenance and Garage. A contribution of $150,000 through the generosity of Aviva Community Fund will help us realize our goal and enable us to provide the community of Kugluktuk with the best possible facilities and programming!

• published: 25 Sep 2013
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