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Peavey donates $100,000 for new ski trail lights at River Bend

Jul 12, 2018 | 12:31 PM

Four kilometres of trail at River Bend Golf and Recreation Area are going to be lit thanks to a generous donation.

On Thursday, 2019 Canada Winter Games partner Peavey Mart announced a $100,000 contribution to install new trail lighting, which will allow use of the trails after dark during the cold season.

“The Canada games are such a huge deal for this city,” said Doug Anderson, CEO of Peavey Industries. “We felt it was really relevant for us and that we could speak to a number of different communities by supporting this venture.”

The high-efficiency LED lighting is expected to last 20+ years and be ready by the time snow hits the ground this fall.

“It’s much safer and much easier to work with,” said Tomm Marr-Laing, President of the Parkland Cross-Country Ski Club. “This will make it more inviting to come to River Bend.”

River Bend Golf and Recreation Area began as a legacy of the provincial Heritage Trust Fund in the 1980s, noted Hugh McPherson, Games Vice-Chair.

“Throughout the years, a number of events have helped build on that legacy, such as the 1988 Alberta Winter Games when the biathlon range was built,” he said, describing the area as a gem of the city.

“The 2019 Canada Winter Games are very pleased to continue the legacy of the development of this site, particularly for the purposes of not only the sport development of cross-country skiing and biathlon, but for the development of a facility that central Albertans can use as a recreational facility for a number of years to come.”