OLDS — The federal government is kicking in $390,194 toward the cost of more than $1 million worth of improvements to outdoor recreational and social spaces in Olds.
Planned for Rotary Athletic Park are a toboggan hill, inclusive playground and community gardens.
Improvements to revitalize Centennial Park include a permanent rink and an outdoor gathering space featuring fire pits, benches and an entrance. The outdoor rink will have a concrete floor that will be lined and have nets for pickleball use in the spring, summer and fall.
The total cost of all these improvements is pegged at $1,069,320. Of that figure, $265,779 will come from MSI funds, the remainder from reserves and other funds.
The projects were detailed back in April as town council approved its 2022 capital budget.
The federal money is being provided from the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF), a two-year, $500 million national infrastructure program to revitalize communities across Canada. PrairiesCan administers the CCRF in Alberta.
“Olds council and staff are extremely appreciative of the support from PrairiesCan and the Canada Community Revitalization Fund as the town continues to expand our outdoor recreational spaces for our residents and visitors,” a news release said.
Requests for proposals to construct the improvements have been sent out for the rink and the toboggan hill.
"We hope to award the contract in June with a start date in early July," interim chief administrative officer Sheena Linderman said in an email.
