Lorrie Marlow
Over the past two years, the Plant Pool Recreation Association (PPRA) has been on its game. It has been working to provide recreation programs and advocating for more programs and greenspace in this increasingly developed area.
In 2019, PPRA operated the Plouffe Park skating rinks behind the Plant Recreation Centre, and they were well used. PPRA also increased hiring to four students for its Plouffe Park Summer Program to provide free recreational activities for 15 to 20 youth a day. It also dispersed funds from the Elisabeth Arnold Plant Pool Fund for 1500 swim vouchers to five organizations to distribute to children for free swims and funded swim lessons for Cambridge Street and St. Anthony’s schools. The PPRA Women Alive program provided $600 for women on limited means to participate in fitness programs at Plant Pool.
Its National Health and Fitness Day in June was expanded to include a basketball tournament and yoga in the park. Its free drop-in soccer and basketball programs were a success due to good coaches and the use of local school gyms. The annual PPRA Dessert Party, with the Parkdale Orchestra providing music, raised $2,400 for its recreation programs. And, annually, PPRA board members tend the gardens outside the recreation centre.
The state of emergency declared in 2020 shut down all PPRA soccer and basketball programs. Swim vouchers and Women Alive gym memberships went unused until July 1, when the centre reopened with limited hours and attendance.
PPRA pivoted to free, outdoor events
Plouffe Park skating rinks were already flooded and operating when the lockdown occurred. But PPRA was not allowed to open up the skate room or provide its free skate equipment. However, the amazing rink manager and the new snow blower kept the ice fast and clean. The rinks were packed with skaters, while PPRA volunteers kept a close eye on the number of skaters to ensure social distancing.
Thanks to grants and ideas from the TD Park People organization, PPRA pivoted to free, outdoor events such as the Plouffe-Dalhousie Nature Walk in July and the Community Walking Challenge in October. PPRA also stepped up its online presence in order to reach residents who were eager for outdoor recreation activities. The Plouffe Park Summer Program ran outdoors for six weeks with restrictions and strict safety protocols without incident. Volunteers continued to maintain the gardens outside the centre.
In 2021, PPRA qualified for funding from the Federal Healthy Communities Initiative. The funds will be used to install a shade sail at Plouffe Park for the new seniors’ outdoor recreation program. While PPRA continues to pursue permits for permanent installation, it also purchased two tent canopies to shelter its youth and seniors programs.
PPRA held an event to recognize the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Somerset West Community Health Centre provided an Orange Shirt story walk. The Odawa Friendship Centre joined us with singing, drumming and personal reflections on residential school experiences. The focus was on increased understanding through personal interactions.
On October 30, PPRA offered a Hallowe’en event thanks to volunteers and determined children who wanted to show off their costumes!
PPRA has also qualified for the Canadian Tire JumpStart Sport Relief Fund to provide sports for youth and children. The struggle now is to find gym space as school boards have closed gyms to public use. However, PPRA has secured the gym at the Hintonburg Community Centre in January for its youth basketball program on Wednesday evenings.
This year, PPRA board members advocated to protect existing recreation facilities such as Tom Brown Arena and to rehabilitate the Plouffe Park basketball court and soccer fields. The association continues to participate in the consultation process for the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and the Corso Italia Station Secondary Plan.
The COVID-19 state of emergency identified, with stunning clarity, the need to fiercely protect what little greenspace our community has and to fight for more space. With intense housing development, the need for more recreation facilities is obvious as the Plant Recreation Centre is already at capacity. PPRA will be at the table providing written submissions to every development and planning consultation to ensure greenspace and recreational needs are met for present and future residents.
Get in the game yourself!
Want to get in the game? PPRA is seeking board members and volunteers with passion and energy to be community advocates. Volunteer positions can vary from participating in community consultations and meetings, assisting at community events, monitoring skating rinks, providing free skate equipment, volunteering with summer youth and senior programs, using graphic design skills for posters/web design, photography, publicizing programs, and fundraising.
PPRA AGM December 7
You can also attend the PPRA AGM on December 7 at 7 p.m. at the centre. Proof of vaccination required to enter the building.
Please contact us at: plantpoolrecreationassociation@gmail.com or visit plantpool.org.