Construction at H. Murray Smith Centennial Park is expected to begin this fall.
The redevelopment of Amherstburg’s H. Murray Smith Centennial Park got a boost Thursday with the announcement of a $100,000 donation by local quarry owners.
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Niagara-based Walker Industries Holding Ltd., which operates the McGregor and Amherstburg quarries, pledged its financial and material support for park improvements, including new sports courts and proposed access areas.
Walker will receive naming rights for the sports courts in recognition of its contribution to the project and its investment in the Amherstburg community.
“We are incredibly grateful to Walker for this generous donation,” said Amherstburg Mayor Michael Prue. “On behalf of the town and our community, I want to thank Walker for its commitment to Amherstburg.
“This contribution of both funding and materials will play an important role in bringing these improvements to life and creating new recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.”
The announcement was made during a community open house, hosted by Walker employees, that offered site tours, a barbeque lunch and an opportunity to experience heavy equipment up close.
“Walker takes tremendous pride not only in our operations, but more importantly in the strong relationships we’ve built together in the Town of Amherstburg,” said Geordie Walker, president and chief executive of Walker Industries.
“As a fifth-generation Canadian family-owned and operated company, it is an honour to support a community with such a rich history and strong sense of pride,” he added. “We are grateful to be part of Amherstburg’s story and look forward to continuing to grow alongside the community for many years to come.”
The 4.9-hectacre park was acquired by the town in 1933 and its name officially changed to H. Murray Smith Centennial Park in 1977, after Smith who served as mayor from 1965 to 1978.
Smith was instrumental in the construction of the town’s arena and development of the park. In 2018, half of the park was sold to the Essex County District School Board for the construction of a new high school.
The arena was razed and tennis courts, a track, playground, baseball diamonds, swimming pool and other buildings were removed. The site currently has a toboggan hill and community centre.
Construction at H. Murray Smith Centennial Park is expected to begin this fall. The town’s the proposed approved Master Plan for the park can be viewed by visiting www.amherstburg.ca/recreation-and-culture/parks-and-trails/parks/h-murray-smith-centennial-park/
