Terry Keough said it was a lot of work, perhaps more than some of the principle volunteers were expecting, but thanks to the Phoenix Foundation, the Boundary Theatre Group and the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary, the Rock Creek Health Centre Park now boasts four outdoor exercise stations.
He said the medical society kicked in the rest of the money that was needed and that every dollar, aside from the purchase of the equipment itself, went to local contractors. Lumber came from Freeman’s; the labour crew was donated; many including Cannon Excavating made inkind donations. Greg MacDonald donated his time and tractor to pound the posts, Kelly Harpur and Mark Szabo put the fence up.
“Hats off to everyone else who came out to the final work bee to finish it off,” said Keough, who serves as the current president of the Rock Creek Community Medical Society.
He explained that while the exercise equipment is geared for a somewhat aging population, there are different levels so kids can use it too. The park has a pushup/reverse pushup station, a core station, curved balance beam and parallel bars. Each station is weatherproof and includes signage to help get the most out of the new equipment.
George Longden, chair of the Phoenix Foundation of the Boundary Communities grants committee, was on hand with a cheque for $2,795.
“A lot of people feel that the Phoenix Foundation only represents Grand Forks, but I am very pleased to tell you that the Phoenix Foundation represents all of the Boundary, all the way from Bridesville to Christina Lake.”
Longden said the foundation actually had money allocated from their seniors endowment that didn’t get spent because they didn’t have anybody who had applied.
“One of my messages to you today is that if you are planning to do something that will benefit seniors for the future, please keep us in mind,” Longden said.
He said the foundation is planning to present a grant-writing workshop, probably in December. The foundation anticipates giving away $50,000 next year, he added. They were able to help Boundary communities with $46,000 in 2014.
As well as the exercise equipment in Rock Creek, the Phoenix Foundation also helped fund the Midway and Beyond Little Theatre group this year.