![['Nothing beats a stroll through Trenton Park as the leaves begin to change – a pleasant contrast to the cooler tones of the water and the sky.']](https://saltwire.imgix.net/ng-a01-13102017-fall-colours-trenton-park-jpg.jpg?cs=srgb&fit=crop&h=568&w=847&dpr=1&auto=enhance%2Ccompress%2Cformat)
NEW GLASGOW, N.S. — Jack Kyte
The announcement in August that funding has been secured for much-needed upgrades to Trenton Park is welcome news.
In all, $3.8M has been committed, from all three levels of government, so the project will not require a public fundraising campaign, as has happened with projects of this nature in the past.
Of significance is the cooperative attitude of municipal leaders, who chose to make strategic financial contributions to the project, based on the regional nature of the park, coming on the heels of similar cooperation to fund our new Regional Enterprise Network (REN), which is focused on county-wide economic development.
Credit must go to the Town of Trenton for their long-term commitment to the park and to the dedicated and determined group of local citizens who led fundraising for the upgrades.
Upgrades are expected to begin this fall, but first comes final planning and design for the “transformation of Trenton Park into an incredible outdoor recreation experience.” The list of improvements is impressive – a large new playground, extensive landscaping, new signage, several new picnic seating areas, the refurbishment of the swimming pool building (including more seating and lockers), the restoration of the pool area (including deck resurfacing and day use lockers), construction of a new splash pad, a new off-leash dog park, retrofit of the canteen and washrooms, and improvements to the park’s trail system.
Trenton Park is for all county residents but it is expected to draw tourists and visitors from other parts of the province. In the big picture, the project provides a family friendly place to enjoy and share in recreational activities, to promote active lifestyles and a healthier community. And, as with the Pictou County Wellness Centre, Trenton Park becomes a key piece of the puzzle as we work to recruit and retain businesses and their employees, physicians and newcomers to our part of the Province.
The Trenton Park improvements are exciting. Once completed, they will open doors for future development of this special community asset, one step at a time.
Jack Kyte is executive director of the Pictou County Chamber of Commerce.
