There’s a new recreation facility on the Eastern Shore thanks to the volunteer members of the West Chezzetcook/ Grand Desert Recreation Society. The society manages the St Therese Community Centre in Grand Desert and has decided to build a new BMX bike park there complete with gazebo and a community park walking trail. The society’s mandate is to improve and provide recreational opportunities for all ages in the area.
Al LaPierre, the Chair, says, “Phase 1 of the BMX bike park is almost complete – this coming week the excavators will be finishing up; the gazebo is already built and we will be adding tables to the area. Phase 2 will include a community walking trail for citizens of all ages. It will wind all around the property and the long term plan is to have it connect to the Trans Canada trail further back from our property.” The new BMX Park is 1 of only 3 in HRM – the other 2 are in Clayton Park and Dartmouth.
Phase 1 budget is about $25,000. Money has been raised through grants from ACOA’s Community 150 infrastructure program, the province, HRM and the West Chezzetcook/ Grand Desert Recreation Society’s own fundraising efforts. Phase 2 fundraising has not yet begun, but they hope to have funding and start Phase 2 next year sometime.
The BMX track will enable an activity the area doesn’t currently have. “We chose a BMX Bike Park as it is very popular right now and will give the youth and even young adults something to do,” says LaPierre. “We are not quite finished but already have had many users of the Bike Park and hopefully many more. We are also looking at holding competitions there as well.
If you are interested in getting involved or joining the society, please contact Al LaPierre at 902-225-5651 or Garth McIsaac at [email protected]