Aug 25, 2010- 3:26 PM
Volunteers came from all walks of life, including citizens, police, fire service, business people, community leaders, children, and city staff and managers. All had one goal in mind, which was to take part in a marathon build sponsored by KABOOM, The Home Depot Foundation and City of Greater Sudbury.
It was totally amazing to see the transformation of this Flour Mill park during a six-hour period. It was for the kids, who now have new play structures, walking trails, and fresh hockey boards to enjoy. The new park will complement the current programming offered by Better Beginnings, Better Futures.
Ward 12 Coun. Joscelyne Landry-Altmann was moved to tears during the official reopening of the park because she truly understands the value of community, and knows what this park means to families and children in the area.
I have never seen such a showing of solidarity in a marathon build. This is the power of the people working together for the common good.
Later that evening was the official opening ceremonies of the reborn Donovan Days. There was a spaghetti dinner hosted by the Moose Lodge. After dinner, all were invited upstairs for the launch.
Ward 4 Coun. Evelyn Dutrisac, Deputy Chief of Police Al Lekun, Peter Scott(chair of Donovan Days), Lori Wall (chair of the Donovan Elm West Community Action Network), and Donovan Days Youth Ambassadors shared their vision for the Donovan; working together to make a difference.
Donovan Elm West residents and businesses had lobbied their councillor for a new sidewalk, and to revitalize Donovan Days.
In the end a neglected Kathleen Street was entirely rebuilt, with new roads and side walks, decorative banners and new planter boxes.
The residents could not be more happy. Further up the street, on Frood Road, new community gardens and a stage were built at Victory Park, home of Myths and Mirrors Community Arts.
Throughout the weekend, more than 1,100 people gathered in Victory Park to enjoy entertainment, free food and children’s activities, and shared in the spirit of community.
Both KABOOM and Donovan Days are excellent examples of what can happen when people are motivated, and empowered to work for the better good of community.
Congratulations, Peter, Lori, Better Beginnings Better Futures, Myths and Mirrors, Coun. Dutrisac, Coun. Landry-Altmann, city staff, volunteers, and the police and fire services for a job well done and for the leadership you are showing.
Derek Young
mayoral candidate
Greater Sudbury
