The Fort St. John Lions Club worked Wednesday evening to create the latter by hosting the Pickell Memorial Playground Party, where they invited the community to come to the beleaguered park for a wholesome evening of family fun.
Hosting the Park Party was part of the Lions Club effort to win a national contest to create the ultimate picnic spot in Canada, sponsored by Schneiders Meats...
"There hasn't been a whole lot going on here for years, so getting families to come down to the park is a good first step to generating excitement around the whole project," said Lions Club President Marilyn Hunter.
...Along with free popcorn, cotton candy and lawn games like Bocce Ball, badminton and croquet, Hunter set up a computer at the event where residents could cast their online votes for Pickell Park...
...There have been 186 votes cast as of print time, and [Lions Club President Marilyn] Hunter said she hopes that a final surge in votes can tip the balance and place Pickell Park in the lead...
...Each of the four runner-up parks will receive $10,000 towards renovations.
With the money the contest hopefully brings in, Hunter hopes to divide up the expansive park lawn into several distinct areas...
...Work to revitalize the aging playground is one way, Hunter explained, the Lions Club can make a positive contribution to Fort St. John.
The playground was originally built in 1961 when the late Mr. Pickell donated six lots towards the establishment of a children's playground. At the time, Hunter explained, the Lions Club donated swing sets and teeter-totters to furnish the park...
From the Alaska Highway News