Local sports group representatives joined MP Mark Warawa and Township officials at the Nov. 12 announcement of federal-municipal cost-sharing on planning for the next phase of Aldergrove Athletic Park development.
HARRY HUNT PHOTO
Improvements and additions will soon be underway at Aldergrove Athletic Park, and the entire process from planning to funding has been a team effort.
“The community provided input on what it would like to see at Aldergrove Athletic Park, and the now the community is helping provide the funds to make it happen,” said Township of Langley Mayor Rick Green.
Green joined Langley MP Mark Warawa and representatives from the Rotary Club of Aldergrove and Aldergrove Minor Baseball Association at Aldergrove Athletic Park on November 12 to celebrate a funding partnership that will allow for the construction of a mountain bike park, batting cage, and children’s playground in the coming year.
The federal government is contributing $130,000 to the project, the Township is providing $175,000, Rotary is donating $35,000, and Aldergrove Minor Baseball is pitching in $50,000.
“We are thrilled that both the federal government and local community groups are committing funds for the improvement of Aldergrove Athletic Park,” Green said. “It is wonderful when various partners can work together for the good of the community as a whole.”
Last summer, a conceptual plan for the Park, located at 29 Avenue and 267B Street, was prepared by the Township. The public was asked to review the proposal, which also included community gardens, increased parking, a washroom facility, and provisions for an artificial turf field in the future. The plan had been created with input from the public, but the Township wanted to be sure the proposed additions reflected what the community had in mind.
“This park belongs to the whole community and we wanted to involve as many people who are interested in what happens to the park as possible,” said Al Neufeld, the Township’s manager of parks design and development.
Township council has endorsed the park concept plan.
“Site clearing at Aldergrove Athletic Park has started to provide the physical space for the new facilities, and the majority of the work will be undertaken over the coming year,” said Township director of recreation, culture, and parks, David Leavers.
