Red Deer recreation amenities receive personal financial contribution

“Over the years, Woody has supported many community initiatives that lead to enhanced quality of life for Red Deerians. He is passionate about initiatives that enable individuals of all ages and abilities to have opportunities to get outdoors, be active, and build community in a city they call home,” said Mayor Ken Johnston. “His financial contribution to the three amenities speaks to this and will leave a lasting legacy on our beloved recreation amenities for generations to come.”

(Supplied)

Officials note that each of the three amenities that will benefit from his generosity have a personal connection to him and his family. The track is said to be where he and his family have spent numerous hours training and supporting annual community events. The Bower-Kin park has provided hours of entertainment to the youth connected to his family as well as the surrounding neighborhood.

Meanwhile, the spray park is anticipated to bring joy to generations for many years to come, as one of the many enhancements occurring at the G.H. Dawe Community Centre.

“Red Deer and central Alberta have been very kind to my family and supported our business in tremendous ways. I feel privileged to give back to a community we care about. The outdoor trails and parks have been the jewel of our city and my family wants to see that continued,” said Woody Paylor. “My wife Val and I have spent many hours at community playgrounds, and we are excited to be part of building one together with the Bower Community Association. Our entire family has enjoyed events at the track, and we are thrilled to see this amenity continue to provide a similar experience for others in the community”.

The City says it will coordinate the playground replacement. As part of the design process, the neighbourhood is expected to be involved in the playground design through engagement with the Bower-Kin Community Association that will help bring the vision to life. Officials say planning is anticipated to begin over the winter, with construction to take place in the spring and summer of 2023.

Woody’s Athletic Park has preplanned construction beginning in Summer 2023 with an anticipated completion by Fall 2023. Woody’s Spray Park has an anticipated opening of early Summer 2023.

The City says it will be hosting community events for each of these amenities upon completion, where residents can celebrate Woody’s legacy in the community.

Woody’s commitment to community spirit, togetherness, and active living, are all said to be exemplified with this generous contribution. The contribution amount and the terms of the agreement, however, will not be publicly disclosed. Although Woody wishes these terms remain confidential, City officials say they can share that it is one of the largest personal contributions made to City recreation spaces.

The G.H. Dawe Community Centre Expansion project is expected to be open in late February 2023, with Woody’s Spray Park opening in the summer of 2023.

For more information on the project, visit www.reddeer.ca/daweexpansion.

by rdnewsNOW Staff

Red Deer recreation amenities receive personal financial contribution

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