TRENTON
Trenton Park is getting significant upgrades.
At a funding announcement held Aug. 9, Central Nova MP Sean Fraser announced an infusion of more than $3.6 million to make capital improvements for the approximately 565-acre space, which is considered to be one of the largest municipal parks in Atlantic Canada.
“Trenton Park has been the pride of Trenton for many years,” said Mayor Shannon MacInnis.
“We are so pleased with the funding the federal and provincial government announced today, ensuring the legacy of our park and making it a key destination for everyone in Pictou County and beyond.”
Jen Bethell is chair of the Hemlock Group, which for more than six years has been working to help foster improvements at the park.
“We see the park as a diamond in the rough,” she said following the announcement.
“We’re just really excited to have this in the community.”
She expressed confidence that the improvements will provide economic benefits to the area – reverberations that will be felt not just in Trenton, but in Pictou County as a whole.
Bethell said she was visiting Victoria Park in Truro recently when she encountered a couple who had moved to Truro from Calgary four years ago, after they had visited the area and fell in love with Victoria Park.
“It just goes to show how impactful a greenspace can be.”
The federal government is investing over $2.2 million in the project, the Province of Nova Scotia is contributing more $1.2 million and the Town of Trenton is kicking in $254,518.
“Everything from parking to a new canteen – it’ll be significant upgrades to Trenton Park,” said Fraser.
“There could be a commencement of construction on some portions of the upgrades this fall.”
IN THE WORKS
The project involves the creation of an accessible playground that will include:
• A recreation area.
• Upgraded pool and picnic area.
• Renovated trails.
• Increased parking.
• Renovated pedestrian bridges, ponds and fishing docks.
• A fenced-in dog park and renovated canteen.
• The improvements are intended to be universally accessible and to ensure the widest possible use and participation by people of all ages.