Point Improvement Party in Sydenham

Feb 10, 2011

Photo: members of the Point Improvement Committee l-r, Cheryl Irwin, Vicky Veldman, Norm Irwin, Mark Richards, Leslie Myles, Mark Segsworth and Mike Howe, (missing is Joanne Brown)

Members of the Point Improvement Committee, a sub-committee of the Loughborough and District  Parks and Rec Committee, held their second annual dance/silent auction fundraiser for the Point Improvement Fund at Sydenham High School on Feb. 5.

The Point includes the recreational land made up of Sydenham High School’s football field, baseball diamond, the Point’s swimming and boating areas, boat ramp, canteen, parking areas and roadways.

Committee member Vicki Veldman, who spearheaded the event, was hoping to “equal last year’s attendance of 325 and match the $13,600 total that was raised.”

Planned improvements for the Point solidified when a citizens’ group in Sydenham formed in 2008. Veldman credits Jimmy Latimer of Sydenham High School, who she says “initiated the efforts to get permanent lights on the field.” Soon after and with the cooperation of the Greater Sydenham Community Association (GSCA), chaired by Lori Reed, the group received a grant that paid for a professional study of the Point, which was carried out by Hughes Downey Architects of Kingston. That study has morphed into the committee’s master plan, which they have since reworked with more input from individuals and community groups.

The plan has been broken down into three separate phases. The first phase, slated for completion this year, aims to install permanent lighting on the football field. Committee member Mike Howe, who also chairs the South Frontenac Rec and Loughborough Parks and Rec committees said, “Lights have been put into this year’s budget at a cost of $125,000 but we are hoping that with additional community support we will be able to have the lights installed for about half that price.”

Other plans for Phase One include repairing one deteriorating wall of the ball diamond, updating the current watering system, and constructing a permanent stage for regular events like Canada Day.

Phase Two of the plan, which is slated to take place in the next five years, includes erecting a new multi-purpose facility, and improving the dock facilities. Phase Three includes paving roadways and entrances to the Point.

 “The Point is really the jewel in the crown as far as our recreation facilities go”, Howe said, “so there is a real need to make sure that we maintain quality programming as well and safe and dependable facilities.”

Other small-scale initiatives that came out of the initial report done by the GSCA have included the hiring of students to regularly clean the park and its washroom facilities throughout the busy summer months.

This year’s Point party fundraiser included a silent auction, cash bar, midnight buffet and a free shuttle bus service, and Veldman said it allows the whole community to come together. “The event is an important one that encompasses the entire community. The committee began basically as a group of parents and teachers hoping to see improvements made and it has evolved over the years to include many individuals and groups who use the Point. In this way we are aiming to get everyone’s needs met.”

Mark Segsworth is also a member of the committee and said, “This event is a another opportunity for the community to show their support for what we are trying to achieve at the Point, which in a nutshell is for the community. We are also trying to demonstrate to the local decision makers that the community would like to see these important changes happen. The Point has huge potential and it has all of the raw elements necessary - it’s just a matter of making some improvements.”

Anyone who would like to support the Point Improvement Fund can drop off a donation at the South Frontenac Township Office and receive a tax receipt.