Two new basketball courts are being officially opened today at Heritage Park in Collingwood.
Mayor, Council, staff and community partners will also be on hand to celebrate the success of the Heritage Park Community Garden project.
This new public space helps activate and connect community. The sport of 3×3 basketball, supports skill development and is inclusive of all ages and abilities. Across Canada basketball has grown in popularity. The new glass backboards and court resurfacing at Heritage Park offer an outdoor area to practice, play and connect with others.
The Heritage Park Community Garden was introduced in 2020 following a community Depave project lead by the Environment Network. An old asphalt surface was removed and replaced with raised garden beds.
With the support of initiatives such as the Simcoe County Community Action Program for Children and the Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program sponsored by Catulpa Community Support Services, gardens at Heritage Park and Sunset Point harvested over 3000 servings of vegetables during the 2021 growing season. Food grown is shared with individuals, families and organizations across Collingwood.
Community gardens create a space for learning, sharing and connection. As mentioned by a community member to program staff, “You all have inspired me to grow my own garden. I walk by here every day. This is great to see you teaching children so young.”
Outdoor public places create community. Heritage Park amenities inspire physical activity, promote well-being, enhance the environment, support learning, and facilitate social connection.
These projects would not have been possible without the support of community grants including Green Communities Canada, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation and the Frank Cowan Company Home Town Program. Local nurseries, Free Spirit Gardens, Pollinate Collingwood and the Collingwood Garden Club and Horticultural Society shared knowledge, expertise and resources. Students from CCI assisted in building the garden boxes and local businesses including the Georgian Bay Group Real Estate Team assisted in the purchasing of infrastructure.
We are fortunate to have an incredibly supportive community to help make this type of project possible.
Heritage Park has become a community hub for healthy, active living. On Wednesday October 27th we will officially open two new 3 x 3 basketball courts and celebrate the success of the Heritage Park Community Garden project. Learn more: https://t.co/7fbQy8dJSX pic.twitter.com/78AH5Xs8wg
— Town of Collingwood (@TownCollingwood) October 26, 2021