By TREENA MIELKE
The recreational component of Rimbey would benefit from formally organizing a board designated to deal with related issues, says a town councillor.
Gayle Rondeel would like to see such a board formed by the end of April.
“We used to have such a board in Rimbey years ago and I feel there is a need to get it going again.”
She believes recreational activities are an important component to providing a balanced, healthy lifestyle for residents of any municipality.
“Work may draw you there, but it won’t keep you there. Where do you want to raise your children? It needs to be a place where they have good experiences growing up. This is what keeps families staying in a community.”
Rondeel said a recreation board could look at such issues as where is the best location for new playgrounds, the expansion of the walking trails, winter and summer programs, swimming pool schedules and matters relating to the RV park.
“Council has set aside $50,000 for a new playground, but there are options as to where to put it. And we would like to extend the walking path behind The Nest Place, the RV park south of town, We would also like to expand camping there to include groups.”
Walking trails are very well used, said Rondeel, adding that she believes to maximize their use some need to be left natural for such activities as cross country skiing and some need to be paved to accommodate scooters, roller bladers and bikers.
A recreation board could also help decide the best sports floor for the community centre, although this project is not budgeted for until 2012.
Rondeel would like to see the recreation board include two members of council, two county council members, two county residents at large and three town residents at large. Recreation director Rick Kreklewich would also attend meetings and act in an advisory position.
“The board would be under the umbrella of council. It would be an advisory board,” Rondeel said.
Advertisements for members of the proposed rec board will be placed soon and council will establish a draft policy outlining the board’s functions and purpose.