New “Green Space” in Ompah

Aug 19, 2010

Photo: NF mayor Ron Maguire, Lois Hennigar and Betty Hunter cut the ribbon at Ompah's new green space

Dignitaries and close to 60 members of the community gathered at the Ompah Community Centre on August 15 to celebrate the completion of the new Ompah Green Space.

The space includes a gazebo equipped with benches, a permanent BBQ, picnic tables and an expansive grass area

The project came about with the closure of the Ompah Snowmobile Club and their desire to funnel their assets back into the community. The assets were divided up between a number of community groups and organizations. Betty Hunter, who was a member of the municipal recreation committee back when the snowmobile club dissolved roughly six years ago, recalled, “We were asked what we would see like to done with a portion of the money and we suggested developing the green space beside the community centre since the grounds at the club would no longer be available to use for various community events.” The committee received a total of $14,175, which they put towards developing the green space.

Marily Seitz organized Sunday's inauguration ceremony, which was held inside the community centre due to the inclement weather and guests enjoyed cake and live music provided by the Fabulous Frontenac Kings and other local performers, including Dave Young.

North Frontenac Mayor Ron Maguire, former treasurer of the Ompah Snowmobile Club Lois Hennigar and Betty Hunter did the official ribbon cutting. Lois credited Neville Wells, who “initially had the idea for the Ompah Stomp”, a Labour Day weekend jamboree that was held for many years on the snowmobile club grounds.

Mayor Maguire commented on the new space and said, “The community should be really proud and I am always impressed at how tightly knit this community is and how they come together and fight fiercely for things that are important to them.”

Members of the community centre envision the space being used as an outdoor venue for various community events as well for a place for visitors and locals to relax and enjoy a meal. Marily Seitz said, “We hope to have more gazebo-style festivals and readers from the library can also come and read here. With the Stomp grounds closed we are very happy to have an outdoor green space where members of the community can gather.”