Bridgewater Gets Investment for Sport, Recreation Facilities

People on the South Shore will soon have access to a new sport and recreation facility thanks to a $830,000 investment by the province.

Barry Barnet, Minister of Health Promotion and Protection, announced today, April 24, that the money will be used to build a $2.5-million multi-sport fieldhouse and outdoor track in Bridgewater. The investment was the first in a series of announcements planned across the province over the next two weeks as part of a $50-million, 10-year infrastructure investment plan.

"As we continue to promote the benefits of being physically active, we have a responsibility to help support communities to construct new facilities across the province that are safe and accessible to everyone," said Mr. Barnet. "I am most proud of the overwhelming dedication this community has shown to develop and build this facility in Bridgewater. We are proud to support their hard work and invest in such a worthwhile project."

The fieldhouse will accommodate a number of activities such as soccer, track and field, baseball, cheerleading, lacrosse, golf, archery and gymnastics. The planning and development of the fieldhouse has been the primary project of the South Shore Fieldhouse Society. They will also be responsible for running the facility.

"It's a wonderful day for our region," said Doug Quinn, president of the fieldhouse society. "We are thrilled with Minister Barnet's announcement. We are now a giant step closer to having a top-notch, year-round facility for our community to play and train in.

"It is our goal to maximize the facility and make sure everyone has a chance to participate in sport and recreation."

The province's $50-million, 10-year sport and recreation infrastructure investment plan is in addition to the $3 million invested annually in recreation facility development grants.