Let Them Be Kids - Elliot Lake

To all our sponsors and contributors:

2009-11-23T15:40:00.000-05:00

In June of 2009, the City of Elliot Lake became one of twenty-five ( 25 ) Communities across Canada to be awarded a “ Let them be Kids / Kool-Aid Helping Hand Award “. This award recognized the importance of celebrating the spirit of our Community and creating “ Free Play and Access for all.

We would like to take this opportunity to extend a sincere thank you from the City of Elliot Lake, Let Them Be Kids, Kool-Aid and most importantly the children of our community, for your contribution to the successful completion of three ( 3 ) new parks.

Through your financial contribution, we were able to provide “ Free Play and Access for All “. Efforts which will continue to help build our great City. Through becoming involved in the “ Let them be Kids “ initiative, you have continued the partnership whereby people from many sectors - business, community groups, government, etc - work together to create a vibrant place to live, work, and play.

The overwhelming response to this event has prompted the City of Elliot Lake Council, to look at hosting an annual event. As our award carries over for two ( 2 ) more years, we are hoping for another tremendous success !!

You’ll notice a drawing on the back of this letter. This art, created by a local child, depicts their vision of an ideal park. During the planning of this project a Dot Mocracy was held. Local children were given 4 votes to choose their favourite pieces of equipment. The most popular were used to design our new parks. Because of you, their visions are now reality.

We hope you will experience and enjoy the new parks. Take the time to listen to the laughter of our local children as they play on these new structures. They are fun, safe and best of all, built by a community that creates together.

We know that without Volunteers, our Community would not be what it is. We also know that without the continuous support of sponsors, Volunteer efforts would be much more difficult. Your generous consideration of assistance is greatly appreciated. We celebrate your contribution and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Karen Makela Kirstan Noel
Director, Parks and Recreation Let Them Be Kids - Elliot Lake Coordinator

Build Day Video

2009-11-23T15:36:00.001-05:00

We've just created a video with pictures from Build Day and both Dot Mocracies! The song is "Proud" by Heather Small, which was provided to us by Let Them Be Kids. Please enjoy!

What a hit!

2009-10-26T11:38:00.000-04:00

It's been exactly one month since the Let Them Be Kids Build Day, and we here in Elliot Lake have been having a blast with our 3 new parks.

Every time we drive by, we can see kids enjoying the play structures and people of all ages getting fit at our outdoor fitness park!

Once again, thank you to all of our donors and volunteers, the great memories and activities would not be possible without your generosity and time. You are truly the best!

It's getting cold out and soon they will be covered with snow...but we're intending on building more parks over the next couple years, so please stay tuned and we'll keep you updated with our plans to keep the ball rolling on free play and access for all!

Pictures From Build Day

2009-10-08T12:27:00.000-04:00

A selection of pictures from Build Day. Please stay tuned for more pictures :-)

What a day!

2009-09-28T10:44:00.000-04:00

Wow....that word pretty much sums up the enitre day! Each park started at 9 am, and what a wonderful group of volunteers at each site.

There was so much energy, it was an amazing feeling being a part of all that was going on. We had young kids shoveling sand into wheelbarrows with their beach toys...young and old came together to build three wonderful community parks, which will be come centres of play, activity and friendship. Each park is open to EVERYONE!

We would like to thank all the volunteers and donors. Without you, none of this would have been possible.

Stay tuned for pictures from Saturday.

Thanks so much,

Let Them Be Kids - Elliot Lake

WE DID IT!

2009-09-25T14:48:00.000-04:00

WOW!

Thanks to all of our donors!

We are (very) pleased to announce that we reached our $25,000 goal! In fact....

WE SURPASSED IT!

We are at $31,520.

Here's the really Kool(aid) part. The 60/40 match from Let Them Be Kids is good for another TWO YEARS! This means, that thanks to the Let Them Be Kids Helping Hand award, we will be using any surplus raised this year (and over the next two years) to build EVEN MORE PARKS in Elliot Lake!

Now that is deffinately KOOL(aid)!

Tommorow...is only a day away!

2009-09-25T14:41:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow is the OFFICIAL build day and we here at the Elliot Lake site could not be more excited!

The itinerary has been posted (see post prior to this one)

IF you're working at Glenden Park, please park at the baseball diamond. It's about a two minute walk, and there will be signs posted. We'd hate to see any volunteers getting parking tickets for parking on Ottawa Avenue.

Don't forget our Community BBQ at 4:30 at Spruce Beach. This bbq is an open invite, we'd like to see everyone from Elliot Lake there! There will be bbq'ed fair, as well as cake, pop and water...all free of charge!

We're all really excited and hope you are too!

See you tomorrow!

Saturday's Itinerary

2009-09-24T13:40:00.000-04:00

9 am - Building begins at all three parks
11:30 am - 1:00 pm - Lunch will be served to all volunteers
1:50 pm - Work at Glenden Park to finish
2:00 pm - Opening Ceremony and Park Dedication to Roger Taylor at Glenden Park
2:30 pm - Work outs can begin!
2:45 pm - Volunteers move to Kiwanis
2:50 pm - Work at Kiwanis Park to finish
3:00 pm - Closing Ceremony and Park Dedication to Corperal Glenn Arnold at Kiwanis Park
3:30 pm - Kids can play!
3:45 pm - Volunteers move to Spruce Beach
3:50 pm - Work at Spruce Beach to Finish
4:00 pm - Closing Ceremony and Park Dedication to Private David Byers at Spruce Beach
4:30 pm - Kids can play! Community BB-Q!

Anticipation for Build Day is Building...

2009-09-18T17:05:00.000-04:00

As September 26th approaches, we are all eager to build these wonderul parks! Once again, we'd like ot send out a heartfelt thank you to all our donors and volunteers; this day would not be possible without you.

Our playstructures / fitness equipment have been named in honour of the following local heroes:

Private David Byers- Spruce Beach; killed in Afghanistan by a suicide bomber, September 18, 2006.
Corperal Glen Arnold - Kiwanis Park; killed in Afghanistan by a suicide bomber, September 18, 2006.
Roger Taylor - Glenden Park; first mayor of Elliot Lake.

The families of our local heroes will be joining us at the opening ceremoies at each park.

Stay tuned for more updates!

Looking Forward To Seeing You All

September 26th, 2009

The Heat Is On...

2009-09-14T11:21:00.000-04:00

With just over 11 days until build day, the heat is definitely on!

As of today we have over 70 volunteers, which is awesome! But we need more! If you're planning on coming out, please sign up by clicking the "Join the Effort" button on the right or calling 848-2287 ext 2134 or ext 2141. Amanda or Kirstan will be more than happy to sign you up!

Remember, lunch will be served, water and coffee will be available, and this day will be too much fun!

Also, we will be having a community BBQ at 4 pm on Saturday at Spruce Beach to celebrate a great day and our new parks, so mark that off on you calendar as well!

Hope to see you all out on September 26th! Support free play and access for all!

Keep Rollin'...

2009-09-11T14:19:00.000-04:00

Wow! We are already at $19,500 raised, blowing our goal of $18,000 by today out of the water!

Again, we would like to thank our donors - without you these parks would not be possible.

Also, to all those volunteers who have signed up: THANK YOU! To date we have over 60 volunteers. Remember, we're looking to have at least 200 people come out. You don't need any special skills, just a desire to give back to our community. We will need people to do beautification (Painting, planting, raking, etc), food preperation for both the lunch and the community BBQ, kids activities, and much much more!

Even if you can only come out for an hour or two, please come out! There is going to be so much fun and excitement, and we would love to have everyone be a part of that...Remember that song "We're here for a good time...."

Also, we will be announcing shortly the names of the 3 local heros who we will be honouring by naming the structures after.

Keep checking back for updates...and remember, if all 60+ volunteers get just one other person to come with them, we'll almost be at our goal!

SEE YOU SEPTEMBER 26TH!

From our hearts to you....

2009-09-04T14:21:00.001-04:00

A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL DONORS!

We are now at $17,400...and the donations are still coming!

Remember, all donations are tax deductible, and will help bring a smile to the children who will be able to enjoy the playgrounds for years to come!

Wow!

2009-09-02T15:21:00.000-04:00

We're already at $15,750! Keep those wonderful donations coming in and sign up to help today! Every little bit helps...every dollar, every hour!

Donor Opportunities

2009-09-01T10:38:00.003-04:00

Corkscrew Climber Donor – Over $2,500

• Place to display your banner September 26th at all 3 sites
• Media advertisement (print, radio, TV)
• Name or logo on the back of our T-shirts on the day of the build.
• A Thank You picture of children on the playground.
• Your logo/name on the Let them Be Kids and City website
• Surprise electronic Thank You gift
• Name placed on a permanent plaque to be added at Spruce Beach Park
• Tax Receipt

Spiral Slide Donor- $ 1,000 - $ 2,499

• Place to display your banner September 26th at the site of your choosing
• Media advertisement (print, radio, TV)
• Name on the back of our T-shirts on the day of the build.
• A Thank You picture of children on the playground.
• Your logo/name on our Let them be Kids website
• Surprise electronic Thank You gift
• Name placed on a plaque to be added at Spruce Beach Park
• Tax Receipt

Wheel Bridge Donor-$ 751 - $ 999

• Media advertisement (print, radio, TV)
• A Thank You picture of children on the playground.
• Your logo/name on our website
• Surprise electronic Thank You gift
• Tax Receipt

Pommel Wall Donor- $ 101 to $ 750

• Your logo/name on our website
• A Thank You picture of children on the playground.
• Surprise electronic Thank You gift
• Tax Receipt

Friends of the Parks - up to $100
• Your logo/name on our website
• Surprise electronic Thank You gift
• Tax Receipt

Have any of this laying around?

2009-08-26T08:58:00.001-04:00

To paint the bleachers at Kiwanis Black rust paint 3 gallons
Green rust paint 5 gallons

To paint swings at Kiwanis 3 gallons of primer for galvanized pipe
2 gallons of forest green rust paint
2 gallons of sand colored rust paint

To paint the basketball boards White rust paint 2 gallons
Orange rust paint (posts)

Beach sand to fill in after playground structure installed 200 cu.yds

12 Litres of crack filler to repair cracks in basketball court

Crusher dust for walkways at Glenden 60 cu yds.

And this is how they'll look!

2009-08-24T15:38:00.007-04:00

Well, Dot Mocracies have all been finished and the people have spoken! Here is a look at what our new parks will look like!

DRUM ROLL PLEASE.......

Kiwanis Park:
Spruce Beach Park:
Glenden Fitness Park:

The drawings look great! We can't wait to put them up, and hope you feel the same! Don't forget to "Join the Effort" today by signing up to volunteer by following the link at the right.

For those who have already signed up, THANKS!

Hope to see you all September 26th!

Great Turnout!

2009-08-24T10:52:00.003-04:00

A big thanks to everyone who participated in Friday's Dot Mocracy. We had tons of people vote on our new outdoor fitness equipment at Glenden Park, and a few people signed up to volunteer!

Check out our slideshow near the bottom of the page. Don't forget to sign up to volunteer!

See you on the 26th of September!

Adult Dotmocracy

2009-08-20T11:50:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow (Friday August 21, 2009) we will be set up at the mall and asking YOU to vote on the equipment concepts for Glenden Park. There are four options, and we're looking for community input, such as we did with the Dot Mocracy for the kids' playgrounds.

Date: Friday, August 21, 2009
Time: 10 am - 3 pm
Location: Algo Center Mall

See you there!

Updates!

2009-08-19T08:53:00.002-04:00

Well, the volunteer page seems to be getting quite a bit of traffic, but we still need YOUR help!

Sign up today!

Also, we're up to $10,350 of our $25,000 goal! Thanks!

Donations

2009-08-12T13:29:00.001-04:00

Hey guys!

We're looking for:

- Gravel
- Crusher Dust
- Plants
- Wood for perimiter boards
- Metal Primer and Paint (In bright colours)
- Ashphalt crack sealer

We'll post more as it comes available! Thanks!

Dot Mocracy A Success!

2009-07-31T11:06:00.003-04:00

WOW!

That's all we have to say!

First and foremost, thank you to the 50+ kids that came out and helped design our 2 new parks by voting for your favorite park equpiment. On top of that, you guys did a great job making the "THANK YOU, VOLUNTEERS" banner, "HELPING HANDS" chain for our ribbon cutting ceremonies, and "MY IDEAL PARK" pictures that will be used as THANK YOU gifts for our corperate donners.

Also, Jamie Sass, the representative from Belair, the company that will be providing our playground equipment: YOU WERE AWESOME! Thanks for taking the trip to Elliot Lake to be a part of our Dot Mocracy and explaining to our kids the different pieces of park equpiment. We know you will design fantastic parks for us, and we couldn't be happier to work with you.

Finally, we'd like to give a huge thank you to our Member of Parliament, Carol Hughes (NDP) and Mayor Rick Hamilton for coming out to support our Dot Mocracy. MP Hughes' short words prior to the event highlighting the importance of the Dot Mocracy, and how it paralells the democratic process we use to elect our officials was right on the money. Thank you both for your participation, it was much appreciated.

Now, we anxiously await the designs for our new parks! To help, sign up using the "Join The Effort" button to the right. Also, to donate, please come see us at City Hall, 45 Hillside Drive North. All donations are tax deductible!

Here are a couple pictures from the event, scroll down to see our slide show!

Park Dedications

2009-07-29T14:38:00.002-04:00

The parks are dedicated to fallen heros:

Armed Forces personel
OPP / RCMP officers
Firefighters

Know of anyone who could be chosen? Let us know!

Volunteers Needed!

2009-07-27T10:23:00.001-04:00

Are you going to be volunteering September 26th? Click the "Join the Effort" button on the right side of your screen to register today! Get emails sent to you keeping you up to date on our efforts, news, events and scheduals.

Sign up today!

Dot Mocracy Date Announced - July 30th

2009-07-27T10:06:00.002-04:00

July 30th, 2009 at 1:30 pm

Hey! Bring out your kids, ages 5-12, to Central Avenue Public School on July 30th, at 1:30 pm for the Dot Mocracy, where they will help design the play structures that the community will be building on September 26th!

To pre-register, call 848-2287 ext 2134!

See you there!

Thanks Rick!

2009-07-24T17:00:00.003-04:00

Elliot Lake's Mayor, Rick Hamilton, has just made the first donation, of $100!

Pictured here with Karen Makela, Director of Parks and Recreation, Mayor Hamilton makes his donation to Let Them be Kids - Elliot Lake.

Each donation made will go directly to the building and beautification of the 3 parks. Our goal of $25, 000 can be reached with your help! Donations can be made at the City of Elliot Lake's offices, 45 Hillside Drive North, Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.

All donations are tax deductible.

What is an Outdoor Fitness Park?

2009-07-20T15:39:00.003-04:00

Glenden Park will be changed into a Senior Outdoor Fitness Park, but what does that mean?

The park will feature durable fitness equipment, similar to that of a gym, which is created to be outdoors year round. This means that anyone can drop by and enjoy a workout in the natural outdoor beauty of Elliot Lake.

Check out Belair - Fitness Centre to see some of the cool equipment that we'll feature:

http://www.belairplayground.com/outdoor-fitness.html

Come out September 26th, and be a part of this great project!

Parks Announced

2009-07-20T15:16:00.001-04:00

Hey! The three parks to be upgraded have been announced! Come out and help us rejuvinate Glenden Park, Kiwanis Park, and Spruce Beach Park on September 26th, 2009!

Wooo-Whoo!

2009-07-15T14:31:00.004-04:00

Elliot Lake is busy gearing up for the Let Them Be Kids build day. Our next steps include our "Dot Mocracy" where local kids will vote for their favorite park elements...giving them the opportunity to decide what goes in our parks!

This even will be happening soon, so please keep checking the site for a date and location to get involved!

Also, check out the slide shows at the bottom of the page. You can get a sneak peak at the parks which we will be upgrading, as well as some shots of our great community! There are many opportunities to help out: donate tools, materials, or your time! We'll be posting lists shortly of things we need, as well as ways you can volunteer on September 26th.

Click "Join the Effort" to sign up today! Let's build a better Elliot Lake!

Elliot Lake Awarded

2009-07-14T09:22:00.001-04:00

The City of Elliot Lake has been awarded a Let Them Be Kids, Kool-Aid Smile Award to help build two playgrounds and a new fitness park. This is an exciting opportunity for the community and is sure to be a wonderful event, stay tuned for how you can help and be a part of building a better Elliot Lake.