Augusta Street Park, in the Almonte Ward of Mississippi Mills, is an example of a citizen-driven initiative that may have new impact in an era of fiscal restraint by municipal governments.
Jeff Mills, a Community Developer with Carebridge in Mississippi Mills, appeared at the Town’s December Council meeting to update council on the project.
Mills says Augusta Street Park has a basketball court that was developed with funding from NBA Canada, there is a functioning community garden on the property, and every July, there is a series of Wednesday evening concerts and Civitan BBQ events.
The community developer says Augusta Street Park preserves the memory of a dark day in Almonte history when, in May of 1965, four kids perished in a fire as the neighbourhood was, until that time, without water and sewer services, and no fire hydrants to help save the children’s home.
The Carebridge spokesperson says the final amenity planned for the park may be achieved in 2020 – a splash pad that will speak to the children’s memory.