Rec groups snag government cash

[attach]510[/attach]Four recreational facilities in Don Valley West are reaping the rewards of intergovernmental cooperation.

Wanless Park, Dennis R. Timbrell Recreation Centre, Sunnybrook Park and Leaside Lawn Bowling Club all received money from the federal, provincial and municipal governments in a three-way cost sharing deal.

Leaside Lawn Bowling Club is ecstatic with the $272,000 it received through the program, said club president Phillip Francis.

“We’re a great community asset to Leaside, (but) our building is over 50-years-old and beyond economical repairs,” he said. “It’s a good investment.”

Rest assured the money invested will stay in the community, Francis said. To make events like its upcoming provincial play downs possible, the lawn bowling organization obtains sponsorship from the neighbourhood.

“We’re a very active community club and we’re typical Leaside people,” he said.

The lawn bowling club will use the money to build a new clubhouse for fall 2010.

Ward 26 councillor John Parker commended the work of the three levels of government.

“This funding will be a tremendous help in bringing that club up-to-date and putting it on a footing to not only last another generation or so but also to operate year-round,” he said.

Don Valley West MPP Kathleen Wynne agreed.

“I think it’s the kind of thing that just makes sense to citizens,” she said. “People don’t distinguish between levels of government when they see a facility that needs to be upgraded or they see a community resource that is being neglected. They just want somebody to step in and do the right thing.

“Having all levels of government understanding that is a real bonus.”

A total of $158,400 will be spent on a fieldhouse/washroom facility for Wanless Park, $272,800 for a new pedestrian walkway at Sunnybrook Park, and $803,000 for upgrades to Dennis R. Timbrell Recreation Centre.