Residents work to replace old Battersea playground equipment

Catherine Reynolds | Oct 13, 2016

The village of Battersea in South Frontenac is preparing to replace outdated playground equipment in its community park. The campaign is an initiative by local residents who want children to have new and improved play structures.

Located behind the Battersea ball diamond, the play structures are approximately 40 years old.

“They’ve been there since I was a kid. They’re well-worn,” said Amanda Pantrey with a smile. Pantrey is a member of the Storrington District Recreation Committee and a St. Lawrence College student who was born and raised in Battersea. She is helping spearhead the campaign, which was proposed by Kyle Gordon of the Creekside Bar and Grill.

Sitting in the restaurant nestled in the heart of the village on a busy Wednesday evening, Gordon said he was compelled to improve the park after regular visits there with his children. “I realized this is very outdated and needs to change,” Gordon, 39, said about the impression the park left on him.

Determined to upgrade the equipment, Gordon approached the Storrington District Recreation Committee in August 2015.

“As a committee, we voted to support the idea,” said Pantrey, who is the secretary.

Grateful for the support, Gordon plans to hold several fundraisers in the village in 2017 to officially launch the campaign. “My goal is to raise $25,000 in our community over a two-year period,” he said.

According to Pantrey, the committee is working to get a quote on the full cost to replace the equipment.

Once the campaign begins in earnest in 2017, they hope to secure grants and township funding to augment the money raised by Gordon and the community.

“I just want to build a new kids’ playground,” said Gordon.

“It’s for fun and stimulation,” added Pantrey. “A big part of being a kid is to play outside. .. This is going to last for years. It won’t just benefit today’s youth; it will also benefit future generations.”

Pantrey said the campaign goal will be attainable because new and improved equipment will contribute to the health and wellness of the village; a benefit for everyone.

“It’s a likeable goal,” she said. “People want to make kids happy. Plus, people from Battersea always rally together to get things done.”

Donations to the Battersea Park Project can be made to South Frontenac Township. Tax receipts will be issued for donations of $20 or more.