After being crowned Canada’s Most Active Community in the ParticipACTION Community Challenge last August, North Grenville was awarded $100,000 to expand its recreational opportunities for residents young and old.

“This significant prize money will be used to establish more outdoor recreational throughout North Grenville. Specifically, the Municipality will be investing in badly needed improvements to North Grenville’s parks and recreation space in four of our hamlets,” said Mayor Nancy Peckford. 

Based on public feedback, Participaction Funding Guidelines, and costing, the prize money will expedite upgraded recreation infrastructure in several of North Grenville’s rural hamlets, including:

• a new play structure at Crozier Park, Oxford Mills;
• a new play structure at Oxford Station Park;
• a new rink house at Bishop Mills Park; and
• an upgraded basketball court behind the Burritt’s Rapids Community Centre.

Recognizing that a major investment in Riverside Park in Old Town Kemptville was already underway that will see a new outdoor rink, splashpad and upgraded year-round change rooms built in 2022 -2023, the choice to invest in several rural hamlets was obvious. 

However, a small amount of funds will be used to support the establishment of a re-built BMX track at Riverside Park, given its age, popularity among youth and deteriorating conditions. This re-built BMX track is thanks in large part to local volunteer Mark Hurst, who has volunteered his time to revamp it.

“We are so proud of our community for their incredible efforts to come together in June 2021 and fight for the title of Canada’s Most Active Community,” highlighted Mayor Peckford. “We surprised a lot of people and beat out some larger cities that are typically the major contenders. It was an awesome experience.”

According to the ParticipACTION Community Impact Report, North Grenville tracked over 9.9 million minutes during the month of June 2021. Over 2,000 residents participated along with more than 20 organizations who helped get people moving, including all six elementary schools, daycares, fitness studios, and community organizations such as Seniors’ Community Services and Community Living North Grenville.

“One of the great things about North Grenville’s entry into the ParticipACTION Community Challenge was how inclusive it was.  No matter your age or ability, anyone could sign up and track their minutes! Activities like gardening, washing your car, and chasing the kids around the house all counted,” added Councillor Doreen O’Sullivan, Parks and Recreational Liaison.

Go for Gold – ParticipACTION 2.0 Kicks off June 4 at Riverside Park

After successfully winning the Community Challenge in 2021, the Health, Fitness and Wellness Advisory Committee plans to defend our title as Canada’s Most Active Community starting June 1, 2022.

The month will kick off with a Healthy Living Expo on Saturday, June 4, 2022, at Riverside Park from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. The Expo will feature different health and wellness businesses in our community. There will also be several groups running activities and demonstrations for participants to join in the fun and start tracking their minutes!

Mayor Nancy Peckford will kick-off the Healthy Living Expo at 9:00 am with a family-friendly 1.5 km walk around Riverside Park, including a short, forested trail at the back of the park. The walk is a chance for residents to ask questions and share their feedback on recreation, mental health and community well-being. Other members of Council will also be in attendance.

ParticipACTION Community Better Challenge

The ParticipACTION Community Better Challenge is an annual event that encourages Canadians across the country to get active for the month of June. Participants were encouraged to track their minutes on the Participaction App or website. All physical activity minutes counted – whether it was a virtual fitness class, chair yoga, walking the dog, or yard work. All individual and group fitness counted.

For more information on the challenge visit: www.participaction.com/en-ca/programs/community-challenge