We Did it!!! - Thank You Volunteers!!!

WOW!!!! What a Proud Day for Bracebridge!

We did it!   Our Build Day on September 10th exceeded our wildest dreams.  We set a goal and it was surpassed.  Thank you Bracebridge!

Our community came together and in just one day the result was the rebirth of one of our community's prized jewels, Annie Williams Memorial Park and the addition of the Brazier Family Playground.  Our park now has a sparkle to it that will make us all proud.  The shoreline has been returned to a natural habitat with a sand swimming beach, the picnic shelter has been repainted and we now have a butterfly garden.

The children could not be held back as the playground started to take shape.  At the end of the day over 250 volunteers and it seemed like 100 children celebrated the culmination of 4 months of planning and fundraising.  The Brazier family representatives unveiled a commemorative stone and the Legion colour party led in a parade of children on the brightly decorated bikes.  Once the ribbon of hands was cut, the revitalized park was reopened and the smiles on everyones faces told us without words, how awesome this accomplishment really is.

Thank you to all of the Volunteers and to those who donated their time and their "treasure".  Most of all, thank you to Cathryn Willard for her vision, to the members of the Annie Williams Park Board for their hard work and to Ian Hill and the Let Them Be Kids Foundation for making a dream a reality.

Opening Day Pictures

One More Sleep!!!

The Park is a buzz of activity!   All volunteers should have received their assignments, and if you have not as yet, please email us at anniewilliamspark@gmail.com.  You will be provided with your assignment and registration instructions, as well as a waiver to sign.

This promises to be a phenomenal day for the community to get together and to make a real difference! 

BRACEBRIDGE BROADCAST LIVE AROUND THE WORLD  Our project is being broadcast live on the world wide web! As a Let Them Be Kids community our project is being featured on their internet broadcast network. Tell your family and friends to watch the action and celebrate with us, just have them go to www.ltbk.ca to see our exciting work, LIVE!

Art in The Park

Local Artist Chad Arney has been kind enough to donate his time and talent to the Extreme Makeover of Annie Williams Park.  Chad enjoys working with reclaimed materials and surfaces and takes everyday objects and recycles them into works of art.   For the park project he has disassembled an old 1973 Cadillac Brougham and has stripped it down and is reassembling some of it's parts to be a sculpture for all to enjoy.  He shared with us a sneak preview of his work in progress and we are excited about seeing the completed sculpure at the park in the near future.   

EXCITING NEWS - 8 MORE SLEEPS!

Site preparation has begun and soon our playground equipment will be here! We can hardly wait. Thank you to all who have volunteered your time, your talent and your treasure! We are so close to making this dream a reality.

WE STILL NEED $10,000 TO REACH OUR GOAL TO BE ABLE TO ACHIEVE ALL OF OUR PLANS ON SEPT 10.   That means 100 people, businesses or organizations who could contribute $100 each - our community can do this - so spread the word, ask your family, your friends and neighbours, and the businesses you patronize if they would consider contributing to putting the sparkle back into Annie Williams Memorial Park.

Also, please encourage your kids to bring their bicycles, as there will be plans to decorate them and have them ridden in the opening ceremony parade!  The entire event will be broadcast on the internet from coast to coast!

Charity BBQ This Saturday at Gagnon's Independent Grocer

Don't forget to come out and support the new playground by attending the Charity BBQ at Gagnons Independent Grocer, this Saturday September 3rd between 11AM and 2PM.
The food for this event has been generously donated by Guy & Judy Gagon so ALL proceeds will be going directly to Extreme Makeover - Annie Williams Park Edition!

Less Than 2 Weeks to Go!!!!

With less than two weeks to go, preparation for the playground at Annie Williams Memorial Park has already begun! A big Thank you to Coote, Hiley, Jemmett for surveying the area and to Wes Finch & Sons for their generous donations for site preparation.  Build Day coming fast and we still need about 40 more volunteers to help assemble the playground.  Grab your friends and family and tell them how to sign up, just click the "Join the Effort" button on the screen.  The people of Bracebridge have been awesome, the donations have been coming in, but we still need approximately $15000 to reach our goal and we don't want to have to leave out any parts of the playground.  Thanks to all who have shown your support!

The All Out Obstacle Course fundraiser at the Muskoka Beerfest was a great success!  We are pleased to announce that the Rotary Team of Greg Hammond, Bruce Reville, Nicole Binsted and Kim Rixon are the All-Out Obstacle Undefeated Champions! Go Rotary Go!





Our team will be selling hot dogs at Gagnon's YIG this coming Saturday September 3rd, between 11 am to 2 pm in a final push to our $100,000 goal. Please come out and support this event!

The community support and spirit that we are all experiencing from this initiative is absolutely incredible. The whole community is winning from this, but it will be the smiles on the children's faces on September 10th, that will make this all worthwhile.

Scotiabank Spaghetti Dinner a Great Success!

Wednesday Night's Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser was a great success! People were lined up and Scotiabank staff did an excellent job of coordinating and pulling off a delicious and fun evening. They surpassed their goal and raised $5618.00 and Scotiabank added $5,000 to the total, for an astounding total of $10,618, which will be donated to the Annie Williams Memorial Park Extreme Makeover!!!

The Silent auction, which was coordinated by Jaclyne Laurin, contributed over $1000 to this event.  Jaclyne stepped forward, solicited and collected all items for auction, ran the entire auction, followed up with getting the items to the winning bidders and collecting the money. A tremendous effort on her part!  Thank you Jaclyne!!!! 

Thanks to all the Scotiabank employees that helped make this event a tremendous success.  The community really appreciates your efforts!

Interview with Ian Hill and Cathryn Willard

Rotary Clubs of Bracebridge and Bracebridge-Muskoka Lakes donate a combined total of $15,000!!!!

Friday, August 19 was a fantastic day for Annie Williams Memorial Park. A very BIG THANK YOU to the Rotary Club of Bracebridge for their generous donation of $10,000!!! Fantastic! And a BIG THANK YOU as well to the Rotary Club of Bracebridge-Muskoka Lakes for their generous donation of $5,0000!! Always great supporters of Annie Williams Memorial Park, Rotarians are always willing to step up and participate in community projects. We look forward to seeing lots of Rotarians out on September 10 helping make our dream a reality. If you know a Rotarian - make sure you say "thanks for supporting our Park!"

Annie Williams Memorial Park Playground Has a New Name!

MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 16, 2011
New Playground in Annie Williams Memorial Park to be Named “The Brazier Family Playground”
BRACEBRIDGE, ONT
Mayor Graydon Smith and Cathryn Willard, Chair of the Annie Williams Memorial Park Board are pleased to announce that the new playground to be constructed through the “Let Them Be Kids” – Extreme Makeover at the Annie Williams Park, will be named “The Brazier Family Playground"

It was announced on May 23rd that Let Them be Kids” (LTBK), a charitable organization that joins with communities across the country creating and improving playground spaces, had selected the park as one of its 2011 community projects. LTBK will match each dollar raised by the community for new playground equipment.

As has happened with other LTBK projects across Canada, the Park Board has decided to recognize the many men and women who have sacrificed for their country through service in the Canadian Armed Forces. For the Bracebridge project, the Park Board decided to name the playground in honour of the Brazier family.

William and Agnes Brazier and their nine children (Ed, Art, Bus, Percy, Victor, Bob, Charlie and George Brazier and their younger sister Mabel) were a close-knit family, well-known to the residents of Bracebridge. Several of the boys were local legends widely recognized for their hockey prowess.

During World War I, William Brazier served in the famous 122nd Muskoka Battalion. Agnes Brazier known as "Ma" Brazier, is remembered for her determined support for her family. In 1939 during World War II, seven of the boys, Ed, Bus, Percy, Victor, Robert, Charlie and George, the youngest who was only 15 at the time, voluntarily enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces. Extraordinarily, after serving overseas in many dangerous encounters, ALL SEVEN boys returned safely home to Bracebridge after the war. The new playground at Annie Williams Memorial Park is to be named in recognition of the dedication of the Brazier family, in honour of those who served and returned and in tribute to all those who supported and sacrificed for Canada. The dedication of the new playground will take place on September 10, 2011 as part of the Annie Williams Memorial Park Extreme Make-over

Anyone looking to volunteer with this project or make a donation can sign-up and learn more at www.ltbk.bracebridge.ca or by emailing anniewilliamspark@gmail.com. Everyone is invited to help honour and remember the Brazier family and all those who have given so much for the people of Bracebridge.

"Let Them Be Kids" is a volunteer, non-profit organization created to build community capacity at the grassroots level; while building playgrounds, skate parks and fitness parks across Canada. These projects leave a legacy of community members who are inspired and better equipped to lay a strong foundation for a brighter tomorrow.

For further information regarding the Annie Williams Memorial Park Extreme Makeover contact:
• Mayor Graydon Smith, (705) 645-5264
• Cathryn Willard, Chair, Annie Williams Memorial Park Board (705) 644-3235

About Bracebridge
The Town of Bracebridge is Muskoka’s fastest growing urban municipality with a current population of over 15,600 that increases to over 30,000 during the summer months. Bracebridge, “the Heart of Muskoka”, offers citizens a unique quality of life through its location in the centre of Muskoka, a world-renowned pristine natural environment. The community has a diversified economic base with numerous educational, social, recreational and cultural resources. The Town is positioned on the 45th parallel, halfway between the Equator and the North Pole, and is recognized as Santa’s summer home.

Keep August 24th Open for Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser !

Scotiabank Bracebridge is sponsoring a fundraiser for the Annie Williams Park Extreme Makeover on Wednesday August 24th.
 

Please come and bring your friends and family.


Tickets are $20.00 and for every dollar earned from the Spaghetti Dinner, Scotiabank will match the funds up to a maximum of $5,000!!!The Spaghetti Dinner is being served at the Rotary Youth Centre from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. and tickets are available at the door and are on sale at the Scotiabank Bracebridge.

Benjamin's Lemonade Stand

Benjamin Willard, age 7, held a Lemonade Stand Fundraiser for the Park on Saturday, July 30th. Selling lemonade, water, freeze-pops and cookies. He raised an amazing $197.64, and in addition inspired one neighbour to contribute $100 and two other neighbours to sign up as volunteers on Sept 10. Well done Benjamin!

Affordable Family Entertainment!

Prism Theatre presents Taming of the Shrew at Annie Williams Memorial Park

August 9-13 and August 16-18 beginning at 7 pm

Tickets $5

Proceeds from all beverage sales will be donated to the Extreme Makeover at Annie Williams Memorial Park

Volunteer Help Needed!

Volunteers are deperately needed to help raise money and spread the word about the Extreme Makeover at Annie Williams Memorial Park!  Could you volunteer for an hour or two at any of the following events?

SATURDAY, JULY 30 FROM 4:30 PM TO 7:30 PM AT THE LIONS BBQ AT ANNIE WILLIAMS MEMORIAL PARK - HAND OUT FLYERS AND TAKE DONATIONS.

AUGUST 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 FROM 6 TO 7 PM OR 8-8:30 PM PRISM THEATRE PRODUCTION OF TAMING OF THE SHREW AT ANNIE WILLIAMS MEMORIAL PARK

AUGUST 16, 17, 18 FROM 6 TO 7 PM OR 8-8:30 PM PRISM THEATRE PRODUCTION OF TAMING OF THE SHREW AT ANNIE WILLIAMS MEMORIAL PARK - SELLING POP & WATER TO THEATRE GOERS BEFORE THE PRODUCTION AND DURING INTERMISSION

SATURDAY, AUGUST 27 FOR AN HOUR OR TWO BETWEEN NOON AND 7 PM TO HAND OUT FLYERS AND TAKE DONATIONS - AGAIN AT THE PARK.

WE NEED YOUR HELP !   MANY HANDS MAKE LIGHT WORK! PLEASE CONTACT CATHRYN AT 705-644-3235, OR JESSICA AT 705-646-4379 or email anniewilliamspark@gmail.com TODAY!

Upcoming Events!!

Saturday, July 30, from noon to 5 pm  – Benjamin’s Lemonade Stand – at the entrance to Annie Williams Memorial Park  - Benjamin Willard, age 7,  will be selling lemonade, freeze-pops and cookies with all proceeds going to the Extreme Makeover.  Come on out and enjoy some refreshment ! 

Saturday, July 30  Bracebridge Lions BBQ Steak Dinner, beginning at 5:30.

Wednesday, August 24 from 5:30 to 8:00 pm – Spaghetti Supper at the Rotary Centre for Youth on Wellington Street.   Yummy spaghetti, fresh bread and salad, all for $20 per person, children free!  Organized by Scotiabank Bracebridge Branch, all proceeds will be going towards the Extreme Makeover.  Come on out and support the Park!

 

?????

Do you have an idea for an event  to raise funds for the Park? Maybe a bake sale, bikeathon, or car wash!  We would love to hear from you!  Give Cathryn a call at 705-644-3235 today!

Our Generous Citizens are Coming Forward to Help!

Barbara and James Bertrand are our newest contributors to our new playground.  They are helping to make this project a reality.

 

Barbara writes.....

"As a teacher, for many years, the end of the school year meant a trip with my class to Annie Williams Park .... with about 120 happy students we would make the trek to the Park to enjoy a scavenger hunt, games, some free time and a barbecue. What a marvelous place to be. We always insisted that part of the "program" was to make sure we cleaned up all traces of our having been there.

As a belated thank you for all the happy memories (I've been retired for 22 years) I would like to make a donation to your Park fund.

Also, thank you from my husband who has enjoyed walking our dog in the park and meeting new friends.

Thank you,

Barbara M. Bertrand (Kilroy)"

Jacob's Bake Sale Helps AWMP Makeover

Mayor Graydon Smith was pleased to receive a donation of $42.35 from Jacob Hills
of Bracebridge in support of the “Let Them Be Kids” – Extreme Makeover for Annie Williams Memorial Park.

Click here for article

Calling All Kids!

What is your favourite thing to do in the park?  We want to know what you would like to have in our new playground at Annie Williams Memorial Park.  Do you love slides?  How about climbers?  Or swings? 

Come out to the Bracebridge Sportsplex this Saturday, June 4th, between 9 AM and 1 PM and vote for your favourite! 

 

Free juice & cookies, courtesy of Olivers!

See you there!

Our First Donation!

A huge thank you goes out to the WELLINGTON STREET PENTECOSTAL CHURCH for their incredibly generous donation of  $3385.00 to kick off our fundraising efforts.

ANNIE WILLIAMS PARK SELECTED FOR “EXTREME MAKEOVER” BY CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION LET THEM BE KIDS

As the rainstorms held off and using the park as the perfect backdrop, the Annie Williams Memorial Park Board this morning announced the next step in the revitalization of one of Bracebridge’s most treasured jewels.

Let Them be Kids (LTBK), a charitable organization that joins with communities across the country creating and improving playground spaces has selected the park as one of its 2011 community projects, committing to match each dollar raised by the community for new playground equipment. Over 65 people gathered this morning to hear the great news.

The LTBK program will also allow for a number of other park upgrades by mobilizing volunteers for a massive one-day work party in September of this year. Ideas currently under consideration include a butterfly garden, shoreline revitalization and tree plantings.

Recognizing that each community has unique needs, the LTBK program for selecting the new equipment will be community driven, allowing citizens and volunteers to vote on what components are most important to them.

Please join our effort today! We need your time, your talents and your treasures! Most of all right now, we need you to spread the word!

Announcement Video

Big Announcement!!

Dear Neighbour,

We would like to share with you the exciting news concerning the revitalization and improvement of Annie Williams Memorial Park.

Please join us in the Park on Monday May 23rd at 11am. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy a piece of celebration cake after the announcement. Spread the news!

See you in the Park!

Kind regards,

from The Annie Williams Memorial Park Board