Another hefty donation has been earmarked for the Combermere outdoor rink project.
The Township of Madawaska Valley said on Wednesday that it is grateful to accept a $25,000 donation from the Combermere Recreation Committee toward the rink project.
The township said past and present committee members, council and staff were onsite last week to celebrate the contribution and the donation joins existing funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the township.
Manager of Recreation and Community Services, Hannah Gutoskie, told MyBarrysBayNow that the project is expected to wrap up next week. The township also received $200,000 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
The project includes the removal of the existing rink pad and wooden boards. A new pad was installed and new polyethylene boards are being installed this week. The rink pad will be painted with multi-sport lines to allow it to be used for basketball, pickleball, and ball hockey during the non-winter months.
“This project will allow the sole recreational facility in Combermere to be used throughout the year as a multi-sport court, and provide a safe environment for skaters for years to come as an outdoor rink,” Gutoskie said.
The township’s budget included $300,000 in funding for the rink project. Gutoskie said that amount was put in the budget in the event the township received the grant funding. The budget line reflects an anticipated $200,000 from Trillium and a commitment of $100,000 from the township. She said with $25,000 from the rec committee, the township can contribute up to $75,000.
