Local business owner Woody Paylor is supporting three recreation amenities in Red Deer through a personal financial contribution.
The founder of Woody’s RV World donated funds that will see the replacement of a community park and the naming of the new spray park and a current athletic park, the City of Red Deer announced Monday.
The new spray park at G.H. Dawe Community Centre will be named Woody’s Spray Park and the track at Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School will be named Woody’s Athletic Park. A portion of the contribution will also be used to replace the playground at the Bower-Kin Community Centre.
“Over the years, Woody has supported many community initiatives that lead to enhanced quality of life for Red Deerians. He is passionate about initiatives that enable individuals of all ages and abilities to have opportunities to get outdoors, be active, and build community in a city they call home,” said Mayor Ken Johnston.
“His financial contribution to the three amenities speaks to this and will leave a lasting legacy on our beloved recreation amenities for generations to come.”
Red Deer and Central Alberta have been “very kind to my family and supported our business in tremendous ways,” Paylor said in a press release.
“I feel privileged to give back to a community we care about. The outdoor trails and parks have been the jewel of our city and my family wants to see that continued,” said Paylor.
“My wife Val and I have spent many hours at community playgrounds, and we are excited to be part of building one together with the Bower Community Association. Our entire family has enjoyed events at the track, and we are thrilled to see this amenity continue to provide a similar experience for others in the community”.
The city will co-ordinate the playground replacement. As part of the design process, the neighbourhood will be involved in the playground design through engagement with the Bower-Kin Community Association that will help bring the vision to life. Planning is anticipated to begin over the winter, with construction to take place in the spring and summer of 2023.
Woody’s Athletic Park has preplanned construction beginning in summer 2023 with an anticipated completion by fall 2023. Woody’s Spray Park has an anticipated opening of early summer 2023.
The city will host community events for each of these amenities upon completion.
The contribution amount and the terms of the agreement will not be publicly disclosed.