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Optimists to install drystone display at Kay Cee Garden

May 18, 2023   ·   0 Comments

By JAMES MATTHEWS, LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

The Optimist Club of Orangeville is looking to install another permanent structure at Kay Cee Garden.

The club asked town council during its May 15 meeting for money to build a drystone display at the park.

Dennis Cox of the Optimist Club of Orangeville said they hope the project starts by 2024. He asked the town to spread the extra money for the project over this year and the next, attached to the annual grant to support the Christmas in the Park event.

On March 22, an application from the Optimist Club of Orangeville was received. 

They requested $15,000 for this year’s Christmas in the Park. The grant will cover replacing and upgrading tree lighting and general supplies such as signage and new displays.

Council gave its nod of approval to provide the Optimist Club $5,000 as a multi-year grant and $10,000 as a one-time grant.

The club has hosted the annual Christmas in the Park at Kay Cee Gardens for the last 30 years.

“We attract in the neighbourhood of 24,000 people each December,” Cox said.

The Optimist Club has taken ownership of Kay Cee Garden over the years. And, as such, they have installed permanent structures, like the covered bridge and gazebos there, he said.

“A tree-planting program started in 2017 where we plant two trees annually in the park,” Cox said.

Council approved $80,000 for the annual Community Grants Program as part of the 2023 municipal budget. Also approved, was an extra $95,000 for community organizations requiring predictable funding over longer periods.

Under this year’s Community Grants Program, multi-year grant requests total $85,000, with $10,000 remaining to be spent. One-time grant requests total $38,300, with $41,700 remaining.

The total requests for 2023 are $123,300, which results in the program being $51,700 under budget.

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