Vision:
To create and operate an inspiring, multi-use, accessible community park that is inclusive and safe for all ages.
History:
The Riverport District Consolidated Elementary School in Bayport was opened in 1967 and became the hub of the community. Generations of families invested their time and energy at the school until it closed in 2011 and continued to use the site until it was demolished in late 2020.
A group of citizens started working together to foster the idea of keeping the Riverport Elementary School grounds in public hands when the school buildings were being demolished in 2020. Over time, this group became a committee of the Riverport Community Centre. In 2024 the Riverport Community Centre signed a land management agreement with the Municipality and the seeds for the park were planted.
Our partners
-Our local community has been incredibly supportive – showing up for work parties, creating fundraisers and donating funds for operational expenses.
-We thank MODL for ongoing support and both operational and capital funding over the last four years. The land management agreement was signed March 2024 between MODL and RCC to develop the community park. MODL Council, Recreation & Tourism, Planning & Engineering
-The Province has been very supportive, especially with capital grants from the Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism & Heritage. We have also had several conversations with our local MLA Susan Corkum Greek, who is very willing to help find provincial dollars to help support the park
-Our local Member of Parliament Jessica Fancy-Landry has expressed her personal interest in the park and a pledge to help us find federal funding.
Plan for the park
The road access to the grounds were rebuilt along with a parking lot the summer of 2024 and a portable toilet, garbage receptacles and picnic tables installed.
The park will include a fully fenced playground including swings, slides, a carousel, monkey bars, a ground mounted bouncing platform and a sand play area. Attention has been given to accessibility wherever possible.
There will be a picnic shelter that can double as a bandstand and event location, a pickle ball/basket ball court, bocce court, a large sports field and 600 metres of 7’ wide pathways with a crusher dust top suitable for walkers, runners, wheel chairs and strollers with plenty of benches.
Cost projections for the complete park are $780,000. We currently have cash and pledges of $285,000 which is a significant enticement for our funding partners.
We hope to build the playground in 2026 and follow with the other components over the next 3 years as funds are available.
We can always use help on the Park Committee. If you are willing to add ideas, think constructively, take some responsibilities and join a great group of volunteers, we would like to hear from you.
Contact: Natalie at riverportparkns@gmail.com