TRENTON
Trenton Park can expect a proper facelift with help from a subsidy from Pictou County, one of many communities to support the update.
This planned revitalization of Trenton Park will help modernize it, and equip it to be a recreational destination in Pictou County – that’s the plan of the Hemlock Group, which has been gathering the support of municipalities in Pictou County over the past several months.
In a gesture of support for what he described as a “key recreational resource” for Pictou County, Warden Robert Parker announced the county’s plans to provide financial backing for the Hemlock group’s plans on Monday at the gates of Trenton Park.
The county has agreed to subsidize with a total of $45,000 over the next three years ($15,000 per year). This money will go toward a number of upgrades.
Parker said it makes sense for the county to support Trenton Park, since “it’s used by more than just people in Trenton. It’s used by people all across the county.
“Most of council around the table felt strongly about supporting Trenton Park. We see it as important for the whole county, and that’s why we wanted to contribute a fair amount of money,” said Parker. “We get a lot of requests… and it can be tough to be fair, but (Trenton Park) is a gem in Pictou County. We deemed this project worthy, because lots county residents use – and will be using – the park.”
Parker compared Trenton Park to other “significant gathering spots” in Pictou County that people enjoy, such as LORDA Park in Lansdowne, noting that they entice people to live, and stay in the area – especially families.
The Hemlock Group has a plan to revitalize the park by upgrading and enhancing its infrastructure. Jen Bethell, a member of the Hemlock Group, said that the county’s contribution constitutes a “fantastic” help, and is “driving forward” Hemlock Group’s plans to update an assortment of features.
“We’re thrilled… the county is on board, because they have the largest population in the area,” Bethell added.
The Hemlock Group has drawn up a business plan that sets out objectives which include upgrades to parking, landscaping, seeding, signage, playground equipment, the splash pad, the dog park and the pool.
“It’s exciting,” said Bethell. “We have a good team working on this and we’re excited to get started.”
Mayor Shannon MacInnis expressed his approval of the support from the county, noting that “anytime we get municipalities together to work on a project that benefits the whole county, not just Trenton, I think it’s excellent.”
“We’re proud of our park, and glad people are taking notice of it as a destination in Pictou County,” MacInnis added.
All communities in Pictou county have now provided financial support except Westville. Westville council has expressed its support of the idea, but is currently consulting its finance department before it makes a commitment.
