As a child, a local playground should be the hangout spot. That’s now a possibility in the community of Arbour Lake.
At a cost of $214,282, the playground project required multiple funding sources including the Arbour Lake Community Association and private donors, as well as some volunteer labour. REALTOR® Lynne Walker canvassed local businesses for months requesting donations and was pleased to roll up her sleeves to help build the playground beginning on June 8, 2017.
“I felt that it was such a huge enhancement to Arbour Lake that I wanted to do all I could,” said Lynne, who serves on the Board of Directors of the Arbour Lake Community Association.
“I worked about five hours the first day of the build, and four hours the second day. We finished the installation a day ahead of schedule, although I would have worked a third day, if needed. As an area REALTOR®, I was happy to contribute to my community.”
Installing a playground builds an appetite, so when the organizers ran short of food for the volunteers, Lynne stepped in. She provided about $100 worth of fruit and vegetable platters, protein bars, beverages, cups, plates, etc.
A few months ago, Lynne began approaching local businesses for donations. She volunteered a significant amount of time to the endeavour, noting that in these lean economic times, some businesses were understandably ‘tapped out’.
The playground costs included $124,000 for equipment, $10,000 for on-site supervisors, $4,450 for freight and delivery, plus the costs of sod, concrete, gravel, security, tools, garbage removal, old playground excavation and welder costs.
Lynne was also instrumental in obtaining provincial funding for a fitness park in Arbour Lake, pitched in on its construction in 2015, and sourced/contributed snacks for volunteers. The facility has been well used without a single incidence of vandalism. “This speaks to the pride which Arbour Lake residents have in their community,” she said.
This story was adapted – with permission – from one originally featured on the Sutton Spirit website. The Sutton Spirit program recognizes Sutton associates across Canada that improve and enhance the lives of the people around them.
