Posted By NICK GARDINER , R & T STAFF WRITER
 NICK GARDINER The Recorder and Times Members of the Prescott Playground Committee accept the community spirit volunteer award presented by Prescott Mayor Suzanne Dodge Monday. Pictured from left are Sandy Noonan, Julie Larose, Rowland Taylor, Mary Campbell, Mayor Dodge, chairman Ken Durand and Flo Noonan. Committee member Sue O'Hanlon was absent. | |
In two short years, the Prescott Playground Committee raised more than $120,000 and replaced three aging play structures.
On Monday night, the eight-member group added another accomplishment to its growing resumé as recipients of the community spirit award presented during the annual volunteer awards night sponsored by municipal council.
"We're pretty excited about the award," committee chairman Ken Durand told The Recorder and Times after presentations were made to three individuals and three groups.
Other winners Monday included Jean Dufour in the arts and culture category, the Prescott Figure Skating Club executive and board of directors for recreation and sports, Tracy Day for education and training, the First Prescott Pathfinders for the environment and Gordon Swoger for heritage.
The town also paid tribute to firefighter Terry Byrd for his 25-year career as a member of the Prescott volunteer fire department.
Playground committee chairman Durand said the committee didn't expect to replace three play structures so quickly, but he noted they are very popular.
"Kids really enjoy them. They're always busy. Every time I drive by, I see the kids there. It just fills our hearts with joy."
Durand and committee members Sandy Noonan, Julie Larose, Rowland Taylor, Mary Campbell, Flo Noonan and Sue O'Hanlon were recognized for their efforts on the committee.
Councillor Chuck Street, who announced the award, said the group "brought pride to the town and brought residents together" for the good of the town and its children.
The committee was formed in the spring of 2008 when council was informed the play structures at Kelly Beach, Fader Park and Sarah Spencer Park needed replacing.
Members performed more than 500 hours of volunteer work to achieve their goals, said Street
Mayor Suzanne Dodge, who noted the play structures will be officially unveiled during a ceremony on Canada Day, praised the committee members.
"When the community comes together, great things happen," said Dodge.
Prescott's First Pathfinders' leader Shirley Whitehouse and members Bailey Whitehouse, Maria Libunao and Chelsea Perkins were recognized for the countless hours they provide planting and maintaining gardens throughout the town.
The figure skating club executive was an award winner for promoting the sport by introducing new programs to attract additional members to the roster of 175 skaters.
Individually, Jean Dufour was honoured for her efforts in the arts and culture community. Most notably, Dufour has been a driving force within the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival since its inception eight years ago.
Education volunteer Tracy Day was lauded for the hours she puts in with students and helping staff at Boundary Public School.
Gordon Swoger received heritage honours for is efforts to keep the town's history alive. Among other activities, Swoger has been a director of the Forwarders' Museum and Friends of the Windmill while running cemetery tours and promoting local history.
nickg@recorder.ca