The Clearwater Memorial Playground Project Committee has begun unveiling its playground project, which is a collaborative effort between Carman Dufferin Communities in Bloom, Carman and Community Chamber of Commerce, Carman Wellness Connections Inc., the Town of Carman, and Boyne River Keepers.
In 2022, the Carman Dufferin Communities in Bloom volunteer organization identified a need to refurbish the playground in the northwest area of Carman. The goal was to encourage more natural outdoor play, comfort, and creativity in nature.
With approval from the Town of Carman, immediate action was undertaken to plant several trees in the playground to provide much-needed shade. Plans for the park included installing a shade sail, establishing an accessible walkway, play stations, a wheelchair-accessible table, and play structures.
Earlier this year in February, a devastating tragedy struck Carman as Amanda Clearwater, her three children, six-year-old Bethany, four-year-old Jayven, two-month-old Isabella, and her niece, 17-year-old Myah, lost their lives in an act of domestic violence. Following this tragedy, a decision was made to incorporate a memorial sculpture into the Friends and Family Playground. Amanda lived only two blocks away and frequently took her children to this playground.
As the various groups have come together as a community, this project aims to restore and revitalize the Friends and Family Playground in the northwest area of Carman, creating a vibrant space for families to gather, play, and create lasting memories.
“We envision this project as a catalyst for change, in our community and beyond, through awareness of domestic violence, mental health and substance abuse,” said the committee in a press release. “The heart of this project lies in our desire to honour Amanda and her three young children and niece, whose lives will forever be remembered through the playground’s centrepiece memorial.”
The idea for the project is to incorporate a Mama turtle and little ones into the playground, as turtles symbolize tranquillity and healing and hold profound spiritual significance, representing a balance between land, sea, earth and sky. The Turtle is also a symbol of the World and Earth and in the Indigenous culture, is representative of healing, wisdom, spirituality, health, safety and protection. This acknowledgement is an integral part of our continued contribution to the important work of reconciliation in our community. A rendering of the vision has been included in this package
“I am very excited about this project, as we have five community groups working together on this,” said Jodi Winkler, Executive Director of the Carman and Community Chamber of Commerce. “I am not 100% sure as to where we are with our $150,000 goal, but I know that we have received $20,000 from the provincial government and $5,000 from the Town of Carman.”
Winkler said numerous grants have been applied for, and organizers plan to meet again in September to see where the budget and the donations are at.
Winkler hopes to have the funds for this project in place by January 2025 so that it can be completed in early spring 2025.
To achieve the project’s vision, the committee is seeking support from compassionate individuals and organizations who share a commitment to community well-being and inclusivity.
For more information or questions, please get in touch with the Town of Carman at info@townofcarman.com. E-transfers are accepted and can be sent to cfo@townofcarman.com, while cheques can be made payable to the Town of Carman. A tax receipt will be issued for donations of $20 or more.
