The federal government has pledged $281,000 toward Kivi Park bike trail improvements and seniors programming.
Funds like these are “completely integral” to the charitable organization, Kivi Park Foundation executive director Kerry Lamarche told Sudbury.com after Tuesday’s funding announcement.
“A big chunk of my job is looking for funding,” she said, noting that although park admissions help keep the park operational, it’s not enough to fund capital improvements.
“All the capital projects tend to be government funded.”
In this case, funds will be divided between two efforts, with $256,000 earmarked for improving and expanding the park’s mountain bike trail network, and $25,000 going toward a seniors program.
“The bike trails were originally built in 2017, and are probably our weakest point as far as a Kivi feature goes,” Lamarche said. “We’ve got some of the best hiking and skiing in the world, but our bike trails were just kind of OK.”
The existing 18-kilometre bike trail network will be upgraded, and an additional three to four kilometres will be added to the network to connect existing routes and introduce new segments.
The seniors funding will go toward the park’s Seniors Program, which offers free programming for people aged 55 and older, from 1-3 p.m. every Tuesday and Friday.
This is the program’s third year, approximately 500 people signed up for it and around 400 people show up on a weekly basis to take part in skiing, fat biking, hiking and snowshoeing.
The federal government’s funding allows this program to be offered free of charge, Lamarche said.
Nickel Belt Liberal MP Marc Serré and Sudbury Liberal MP Viviane Lapointe delivered the funding announcement during Tuesday’s media conference at Kivi Park.
“We’re promoting healthy living and social participation, which is so important,” Lapointe said, while Serré noted that the federal government has contributed approximately $1 million toward the park since 2015.
Ward 9 Coun. Deb McIntosh, a longtime season pass holder, spoke at Tuesday’s funding announcement to share how important the outdoor sports venue is.
“It’s a really wonderful opportunity to bring people together, and I think more and more we need people being able to come together,” she said.
Fellow pass holder and volunteer Rose Sigouin participates in the park’s seniors programming, and said the park is important for everyone who uses it, but seniors in particular.
“As a senior, we need a social life, we need our exercise. Isolation only brings health issues, loneliness and depression,” she said.
Also a member of the Cycling Grannies, she said Kivi Park is one of the places they use for outdoor adventures.
“I found new friends, I found old chums, it drew me back to nature, I got exercise,” she said. “Kivi Park became my place to go, my happy place.”
Kivi Park is a unique not-for-profit which offers more than 600 acres of land for exploration, including approximately 85 kilometres of trails. It’s located immediately south of Sudbury, at 4472 Long Lake Rd.
There are various passes available to access Kivi Park, including $10 single-day passes, $25 family day passes and $115 annual adult passes.
“If for whatever reason that doesn’t fit into someone’s budget,” Lamarche said they apply online to our accessibility fund and say why they love the park to receive a pass.
Tyler Clarke covers city hall and political affairs for Sudbury.com.