This post is sponsored by TD and the TD Common Ground Project.
In recognition of Canada 150th Birthday and keeping in mind the importance of community green spaces to the Canadian identity, the TD Common Ground Initiative has committed to rejuvenating more than 150 green spaces to enrich and connect communities across Canada. Imagine having a bright, inviting and functional outdoor space where you can gather with friends and family for community programmed events like outdoor movie nights and community gardens. Well, the TD Common Ground Initiative in collaboration with Halifax Regional Municipality and Halifax Public Libraries is offering the Dartmouth North Community Centre and the Highfield Park community just that.
Originally built in 1995, the current Dartmouth Community Centre no longer meets the needs of the community. Taking note from the success of integrating community input into planning the function and spaces within the Halifax Central Library, the Halifax Public Libraries went out into the community surrounding the Dartmouth Community Centre and listened. Many residents in the area live in apartment buildings with limited access to a green space and often times people would be sitting outside of the Community Centre on the grass to pick up the free Wi-Fi. These insights lead to the vision of a large outdoor library space with seating for 24 persons with a glass canopy to protect patrons from any rainy weather to provide an all-weather friendly space with free Wi-Fi access. The co-location of the outdoor library and naturalized playground (for up to 30 children) will mean that the whole family would be able to participate in different activities at the same time.
On July 11th the Halifax Public Libraries held a Preview Picnic to highlight the visions of the space and kick start the exciting project for the community and the media. It was a fun afternoon with community talents like hand drummer Andrew Dahms and a spoken word performance by Guyleigh Johnson. Special guests at the event included TD Bank Group President and CEO Mr. Bharat Masrani, TD Atlantic Region Senior Vice President Scott Belton, Mayor Mike Savage, HRM District 6 Councillor Tony Mancini, Halifax Public Libraries Chief Librarian/CEO Åsa Kachan and Municipality Director of Parks and Communities Brad Anguish.
When I was on maternity leave I utilized the family spaces and programs at the Central Library at least three times a week and I couldn't imagine our routine without it. The family and children programs were a great way to connect with other parents and quite frankly something to look forward to because some days seemed so long. I am beyond excited for the Dartmouth Community Centre to get their outdoor library and can't wait to see the finished space.
This blog post was sponsored by TD and the TD Common Ground Initiative but as always, all opinions expressed are solely my own. Thank you for supporting the brands and initiatives that help support our family.
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Photo: Monica Phung