Peter L. Smith
L’ISLE-AUX-ALLUMETTES – September 9 was a big day for the Chapeau Recreation Association and local community as the ribbon was cut to officially open the town’s new splash pad. Children from throughout the Upper Pontiac and beyond will enjoy the facility.
Planning for the splash pad began in 2019, costing a total of $195,982. Funds were raised through various grants: $135.982 from the Regions and Rurality Fund Development Grant, $25,000 from Municipality of L’Isle-aux-Allumettes plus $2,500 in services, and $32,500 raised by the Chapeau RA.
“The splash pad provides a new and exciting recreational option for children and families. It offers a fun and safe place for cooling off during hot summer days and promotes outdoor play and physical activity. Kudos to the Chapeau Recreation Association’s 15 members for a job well done,” said Mayor Corey Spence.
Chapeau RA President Karie Bissonnette Sullivan stressed the importance that working together with fellow committee members, the municipality, the MRC, local businesses, and community members played in achieving their goal. “As president of this committee, I’ve learned a lot about our community and developed important relationships with some of our neighbouring non-profits with whom we can work together. This is what community is all about; it’s the positive force we need to achieve goals. This is the type of community I love raising my family in,” she told the Journal.
The RA has made many improvements to their grounds in recent years, including a new play structure in June 2015, as well as dugouts and ballfield safety netting, washroom facilities, picnic tables, security fences and electrical infrastructure updating. Future projects include purchasing new lawnmowers and other equipment, installing a drainage weeping system for the soccer and baseball fields, other baseball field upgrades, and creating a walking path and pavilion on the grounds. Fundraising has already begun and grants have been applied for.
