Thunder Bay’s Picton Park is getting a community-led overhaul, which will be featured on an upcoming episode of a TVO program.
Picton Park was selected out of 200 applicants to be showcased on the TVO show ‘Giver’. Each episode of the show, which is produced by Sinking Ship Entertainment, brings community members together to give a local park a makeover, following the entire process from design through construction to the grand opening.
Six children from the Picton Park neighbourhood have volunteered to lead the park’s makeover, and are in the process of designing and planning a Sleeping Giant-themed playground. The filming of the episode itself will take place July 4-6, with the official grand opening scheduled for 2 pm on Saturday, July 6.
“This is a great community engagement project, and a wonderful opportunity to get neighbourhood residents involved creating a wonderful gathering space,” said Werner Schwar, Coordinator – Park Planning.
“This project will really help the citizens take ownership of their neighbourhood,” said Mayor Keith Hobbs. “Children will enjoy a new, greatly-improved playground that they themselves designed, and everyone will truly be able to call Picton Park their own.”
Sinking Ship Entertainment is looking for adult volunteers to help out with the project, specifically individuals with carpentry or construction skills. Lunches for the children and volunteers will be donated by local restaurants/catering businesses. Those interested can contact Amanda Rozenuk at 621-4689.
