Submitted by Lee Collingridge
The original project at the Friends and Family Playground on 5th Street NW in Carman has evolved into a community effort called the Clearwater Memorial Playground Project.
In the fall of 2022, the Communities in Bloom (CIB) Volunteer Organization identified a compelling need to restore and rejuvenate the Friends and Family Playground. The park has existed in this location for many years and in 2014, the town of Carman installed solid and attractive new swings and slides. This is the only such facility in Carman’s northern half and a number of amenities were lacking. The playground needed shade, paint, more play structures, natural greenery, new tables and benches, lighting and fencing to make it safe, attractive and conducive to natural play.
CIB volunteers, led by Judy Neustadter, approached the Town of Carman with a plan and a vision. They asked permission to begin raising money for the refurbishment of the Friends and Family Playground. Since CIB has a track record of successfully completing other projects, the Town gave their permission and placed their trust in CIB to proceed.
Volunteers got right to work planting trees for shade, dug up the ground and planted perennials and cleaned the area. Fund raising began by applying for grants and asking the community for support. Some grants were successful and small donations received. Sub-projects proceeded as money became available.
Standard Photos by Lee Collingridge
In February of 2023, a terrible tragedy struck a Carman family. Amanda Clearwater and her children Bethany, Jayven and Isabella and 17 year old niece Myah Lee Gratton were lost to a horrendous act of domestic violence. The Clearwater family and the entire Carman community searched for ways to commemorate these valuable lives lost and after much consideration a collaboration was activated. CIB, the Carman Chamber, Boyne River Keepers, The Town and Carman Wellness Connections came together in a spirit of cooperation to raise money and establish a fitting memorial along with a natural and inspiring place for children to play and folks to gather. Since the Clearwater children played at the Friends and Family Playground it was agreed by all that this was the most appropriate way to memorialize this family and bring attention to the social issues of domestic violence, mental health and drug abuse.
The objective of a useful and delightful meeting place is front and center.
The memorial portion of this project was give a substantial boost with a grant from the Provincial Government designated to the commemorative piece. CIB and the cooperating organizations of the Town, the Chamber, Carman Wellness Connections and the Boyne River Keepers continue to fund raise by applying for grants and asking for community support with the ultimate goal of finishing the entire project. As of this fall the Playgound has received a substantial facelift. Shade trees, perennial gardens, paint, new tables and benches have been accomplished. A really special donation of beautifully carved wooden benches from Beat Christen has adorned the playground. A very special young lady of about 10 years old took it upon herself to create imaginative signs that we laminated and hung up to remind other children not to damage the new trees. A beautiful new shade structure is currently being constucted to be up before winter.
Plans for next season include educational signage and the placement of the memorial to the Clearwater family within the playground. Also the addition of a wheelchair accessible play structure, rubber pathways for easy accessibility to all and a smaller play structure for younger children and toddlers.
A sturdy more attractive fence with a sensibly placed entrance and some solar lighting will be added. Funding is still a work in progress but CIB and the Clearwater Memorial Playground Project are proceeding as finances become available.
Donations are requested of any amount and will be recognized. All money reaised will go to the completion of this worthy facility and enduring memorial.
