Vernon, BC - Thursday, September 5, 2013
Playground, park and trail resurfacing grants to benefit generations of BC residents
Six parks and playgrounds across BC will now have a safe rubber surface for everyone to enjoy, even toddlers and kids in wheelchairs, thanks to support received from Kal Tire’s Six for Sixty initiative.
“We’re excited about each of these projects because these parks and playgrounds will give families in these communities a fun and safe place to play”
To mark its 60-year milestone and give back to BC, Kal Tire issued a notice earlier this year about the availability of the 60th anniversary grants to support resurfacing projects that use recycled tire products.
“We’re excited about each of these projects because these parks and playgrounds will give families in these communities a fun and safe place to play,” says Robert Foord, president, Kal Tire.
Each of the six lucky recipients had to meet the same criteria as the Tire Stewardship BC’s (TSBC) Community Grant Program, which funds projects that use recycled tire product. However, as part of the Six for Sixty initiative, Kal Tire will pay the 50 per cent portion recipients are normally required to provide.
“These communities will benefit from these parks and trails for years to come,” says Foord. “Using recycled tire product for recreational resurfacing is ideal: the surfaces are resilient and nearly maintenance-free; they are safe, attractive and inclusive for everyone to use; and it is a responsible way to use recycled tires.”
Kal Tire’s Six for Sixty Recipients in BC:
Central Park Trail of Hope fitness circuit, Burnaby – Adults, youth and people with disabilities will now be able to get fit in the great outdoors. This unique fitness circuit features 12 independent fitness stations set along a 2.5-kilometre trail.
Friendship Park, Sechelt – Even in the rain, the new recycled tire product surface at this community park will provide hours of safe and inclusive fun for all ages and abilities. Plus, the Friendship Park will now offer full wheelchair accessibility.
Hume Elementary School playground, Nelson – The Nelson school district was keen to have a recycled tire product surface below a new space ball climbing structure because the material is both environmentally friendly and kid friendly.
Osoyoos Splash Park at Jack Shaw Gardens, Osoyoos – Tourists and locals alike will be able to beat the heat on the surface of the new splash park in Osoyoos.
Simon Fraser Elementary School playground, Vancouver – With a new rubber surface, this playground will become the first in Vancouver to offer full accessibility to children in wheelchairs.
Vernon Recreation Centre’s Dogwood Gym outdoor play area, Vernon – Vernon preschoolers, including those with mobility aids, will be able to be active outdoors in the centre’s new, rubberized outdoor play area.
About Kal Tire
Kal Tire is Canada’s largest independent tire dealer and North America’s largest commercial tire dealer. Kal Tire Mining Tire Group is a global leader in mining tire service and supply, operating on more than 150 mine sites in 19 countries across five continents. The company has four warehouse facilities strategically located across Canada and a dedicated fleet of 48 tractors and 350 trailers. As the largest truck tire retreader in Canada, Kal Tire owns and operates 10 Bandag retread facilities plus an additional four OTR retreading facilities which are located in Canada, the United Kingdom and Ghana, West Africa.
