A local landscaping company has stepped up to help create a more welcoming environment at the Bracebridge Sportsplex.
During yesterday’s Bracebridge general committee meetings, councillors agreed to $85,000 in landscaping upgrades for the entrance of the facility, including $38,000 of in-kind material and labour from Muskoka Landscapers.
The new entrance landscaping will include: facility signage; garden beds with native evergreens and shrubs to assist in screening the walkway from blowing snow; a courtyard with a variety of native trees, shrubs and perennials; an area for bike racks; seating; and a narrow entrance, surrounded with plantings, that clearly indicates pedestrian traffic only, while also accommodating authorized vehicles.
After several revisions, in December 2023, Muskoka Landscapers provided a final plan for the project. Understanding that the plan could not be achieved within the budget allocated, Muskoka Landscapers offered to donate $38,000 in labour and materials, leaving the Town to find the remaining $47,000.
Several councillors commended Muskoka Landscapers for their contribution to the project.
“This should bring a little more life to the entrance of this facility,” said Coun. Andrew Struthers.
Coun. Debbie Vernon asked staff if there was anything that could be placed around the young trees at the entrance to stop children from climbing on them.
Will Crowe, the Town’s manager of facilities, said putting structures around the trees might defeat the purpose of creating a welcoming entrance environment. He said staff at the facility can tell children not to climb the trees if they see it taking place.
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