LAKE ALMA, Sask. – The Lake Alma Recreation Board has received a significant financial boost for its Skjerdal Park Playground project, with Kingston Midstream and Tundra Oil & Gas each donating $7,500 through the Richardson Foundation. The donations, totalling $15,000, were presented on Jan. 23 at the Lake Alma Rink.
“We believe in supporting local non-profit organizations, charities and community initiatives through our community investment efforts, particularly with the generous support from our parent company, James Richardson & Sons, Ltd.,” said Kingston Midstream and Tundra Oil & Gas following the donation.
“Playground project has been about two years in the making now,” said Paige LaBatte, a former rec board member and current volunteer. “Our local recreation board in Lake Alma had this idea that we were wanting to upgrade the playground equipment in our Skjerdal Park.”
The park currently features a baseball diamond, canteen, picnic area and new bathroom facilities. With limited playground equipment available, the board decided to move forward with purchasing a new play structure to enhance the space for families in the community and surrounding areas.
“We have a very big family population lately. There’s lots of families with kids, so we wanted to give back to the community and have this space close to home for everyone to utilize and upgrade our park,” LaBatte said.
The new playground equipment has already been ordered from Blue Imp, a Canadian company with an office in Moose Jaw known for its durable structures, which can withstand local weather. The board hopes to have the equipment up in time for the next season.
“It should be coming in May sometime, and we’re hopefully going to be picking a date at the end of May, beginning of June for actual install,” LaBatte said.
The board first focused on grants. So far, they have secured approximately half of the necessary funding and continue their fundraising efforts.
“We have a sponsorship letter with different levels – silver, gold and platinum,” LaBatte said. “And we also are planning an online auction … through Facebook.”
Beyond the playground project, Lake Alma remains an active rural community.
“Our local rec board does like to try to keep events going and host stuff to have people come out to our community,” LaBatte said. “We have curling leagues, we have a learn-to-skate program. There’s a big car show and family fun day that we host in the park every year.”
For updates on the playground project and other community events, residents can follow the Lake Alma Recreation Board on Facebook.
