County of Brant, in partnership with the Burford Optimist Club, held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Burford Optimist Skate Park on Monday, September 23, 2024.
“We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone in the community who has been part of this project,” said David Bailey, Mayor for the County of Brant. “The Burford Optimist Club continues to excel in supporting child and youth initiatives, and as always, the public, community groups, and local businesses have stepped up to show their support. We are incredibly grateful for their contributions.”
The new skate park, located at the Burford Community Centre, has been a collaborative effort with the Burford Optimist Club, which established a youth advisory group to provide feedback on the project.
In cooperation with the County of Brant and a skatepark consultant, the design concept for the park was developed in 2023. Additionally, Club volunteers have led a robust fundraising campaign, raising approximately $200,000 in cash donations and in-kind products. The overall project budget is $323,000, and Transitions Construction will build the skate park over the next few weeks.
“The Burford Optimists are thrilled to have reached the point where our plan comes to fruition, and we will see the Burford Optimist Skatepark take shape,” said Matt Jones, Burford Optimist Club President. “The club members driving this project have re-energized us with their enthusiasm, and with the tremendous support of our community, we can’t wait to bring the finished project to the youth of Burford and the surrounding area.”
The groundbreaking ceremony included representatives from Gold Partner Donors ($10,000+): Dufferin Aggregates, who provided an in-kind donation of gravel that will be used for the project, and Stubbe’s Precast, who provided both a monetary donation and in-kind donation of concrete for the project. Councillor Robert Chambers, Burford Optimist Club members Heather Keam and Jenn Daniel, and youth from the skate park advisory group were all present for the ceremony.
