Residents will be a little more fit this summer with the installation of the Parksville Lions Club's GreenGym outdoor exercise equipment in Community Park, thanks to a $65,597 federal government contribution.
Nanaimo-Alberni MP James Lunney made the announcement on behalf of Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, Monday morning in Community Park.
The government's Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF) money nearly completes the Lions Club's fundraising effort and will allow them to construct the special nine piece outdoor fitness park beside their famous Ventureland Playground.
The nine pieces will include 14 stations and provide 56 different exercises and though it is a "senior's fitness" package, it will be suitable for all ages, explained Lions' building chair Duane Round. The area will have a rubber surfaced sidewalks to make the facility fully accessible.
The club has been fundraising for over a year and Round thanked the Government of Canada and the many other contributors. He had said in December that they were almost ready to start, but would have to pay for much of the estimated $70,000 out of their own funds and continue fundraising for the foreseeable future.
"Parksville Community Park is a focal point for tourists accessing our renowned warm-water beaches," Lunney said. "I am pleased that our federal government has partnered to expand recreational exercise opportunities for adults in partnership with Parksville Lions Club. This project will...improve accessibility and contribute to enhanced quality of life for residents and tourists alike, while creating expanded economic opportunity for years to come."
They plan to install the equipment in April or May, as soon as the weather allows.