A new indoor playground is coming to Kenora!
The Kenora SportsPlex, formerly known as the J&M Arena on Bunny Street, has received $145,938 to build a state-of-the-art indoor playground at the facility, named the Lakelife Playroom, with areas for different age groups and a seating area for adults.
“The Kenora SportsPlex is thrilled to bring this exciting addition to our complex and offer an additional recreation amenity for families in our community,” said Chair of the SportsPlex board, Megan Derouard.
“Without this investment from the Ontario government, this project would not be possible. We are excited to expand our facility and add another opportunity for our youth,” adds Derouard.
Board member Heather Pihulak explains that the SportsPlex’s contribution to the project includes donations from the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Community Foundation and Weyerhaeuser, as well as a fund built up by user fee rentals at the facility over the last number of years.
“We are extremely thankful to [Ontario] for funding this development. Our board is extremely excited about this added development in the community and will add another opportunity for our kids and families,” adds Pihulak.
Kenora – Rainy River MPP, Minister of Northern Development and Minister of Indigenous Affairs, Greg Rickford, helped to announce the funding through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation earlier this week.
“Our government is focused on investing in communities and creating vibrant recreational facilities that promote health and improve wellness,” said Rickford. “The Kenora SportsPlex is an incredible space for youth, families and seniors, and today’s investment will only expand the facility’s offerings.”
The Kenora SportsPlex is a volunteer-run, non-profit facility with a variety of indoor activities for all ages, as well as athletic training for multiple sports, Special Olympics events and Indigenous youth programming. It opened up back in 2014.