聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 A new group of Kamsack residents, who see themselves as 鈥渢he ears on the ground鈥� for the recreation department in order to take ideas from people about how to improve recreation opportunities and facilities in town, has begun its work.
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 In June town council approved a mandate for a new Kamsack recreation board to represent a broad-based recreation profile that reflects the diversity of the community and is an advisory body which provides the recreation director and council with information on recreation programming and facilities in alignment with strategic priorities.
The board explores, identifies co-ordinates, promotes and enhances recreational programs and facilities, assists the recreation director, as needed, to expand programming and activities, expands and improves communications between the various sports teams and recreation groups within the community, and acts as a fundraising arm for recreation programs and facilities.
On the recreation board with Kev Sumner, the recreation director, are: Councillor Jared Ruf, Valerie Ritchie, Shanley Allard, Darlene Brown, Shaun Lawless, Hillary Walter, Rebecca Lawless, Kevin Kitchen, Sheri Galye-Nikiforoff and Jenna Nahnybida.
鈥淲e will also organize fundraising efforts for larger projects such as improvements to the pool, Broda Sportsplex and sportsgrounds,鈥� said Hillary Walter in a release from the board.
The board, which has met four times to date, has as a goal to meet once a month.
鈥淪o far our meetings have consisted of a lot of discussion about trying to find our place and the best way to make an impact in town,鈥� the release said. 鈥淚n the new year, we plan to make a co-ordinated effort to nominate Kamsack for the Kraft Hockeyville contest.
鈥淚 think a lot of us see the potential that exists in town and would like to contribute to some larger recreation projects such as improvements to the pool and sportsgrounds, and ensuring that our rink is used as much as possible,鈥� Walter said. 鈥淭here is a definite feeling that there are more young families in town than there were a few years ago, so we want to make sure that people feel a sense of community and connection.
鈥淲e would also love to revive some of the events that used to happen in town.
鈥淲e have a community calendar on the town website now,鈥� she said. 鈥淚f people have events they'd like to have listed on there, or know of something that should be on there, they can talk to Kev Sumner or any board member.
鈥淲e would like to build a list of people who might be interested in volunteering casually with either the rec board or some of the other groups in town. We signed up a few people at the town-wide registration night, but if there is anyone else who would like to help out casually he or she can let any board member know and we'll add them to the list. Being added to the list is no commitment, just a list that we could reach out to if there is an event or project in the works.
鈥淲e would like to encourage people to like and follow the Kamsack, Sport, Recreation and Culture page on Facebook.鈥�
If people have ideas about what they'd like to see in town or what they'd like to contribute, they are encouraged to feel free to talk to any of the board members or to reach out on social media.
鈥淲e're all open to suggestions and even if it seems like a crazy idea it might be perfect,鈥� the release said.
