Nova Scotia to spend $2.7M on construction, improvements to recreational facilities

Dave Ritcey, Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage (far left), and Nolan Young, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration and MLA for Shelburne (third from right) join community members at an announcement about project funding at Seacaps Park in Lockeport on Aug. 15. (Source: Province of Nova Scotia)

Nova Scotia announced Wednesday it will spend $2.7 million towards building and improving recreation facilities across the province.

“Community recreation spaces are where healthy habits take root – where kids learn skills, neighbours connect and people of all ages get moving,” said Dave Ritcey, minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage. “With this investment, we’re creating safe places where kids and families can stay active.”

Thirty-two community organizations will receive support through the Recreation Facility Development Grant program. The grant will go towards upgrading parks, playgrounds, trails, athletic fields and other spaces used for sport and physical recreation.

The Seacaps Park playground in Lockeport is one of this year’s projects. Nova Scotia will support the town in replacing aging equipment on the playground and create an accessible oceanside play space.

“Seacaps Park is where our community comes together. Thanks to the Province, we’re building an accessible, modern playground that will serve Lockeport families for years to come,” said Derek Amalfa, mayor of the Town of Lockeport.

Another 18 organizations will receive funding through the Rink Revitalization Fund to help operators of community rinks and arenas invest in infrastructure. The funding will also support improvements to accessibility and energy efficiency and keeping facilities safe and affordable.

The next round of applications for both funding programs will start in December.

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