The Bragg Creek Community Association is asking the public to help fund the $100,000 initiative to help build a better community hub while also putting money back into the capital account.
“We asked users what their needs are … we are getting really good feedback,” explained Mike Medwid, Bragg Creek Association president.
The $100,000 will go toward the exterior upgrades and help replenish funds taken from the community’s capital account to repair damages to the Bragg Creek Community Centre after the fire suppression system burst and flood the interior in January.
“Insurance paid for most of the damage with help from Rocky View County but we also used funds from the capital account,” Medwid explained.
The insurance company paid for the repairs to the building caused by the fire suppression system but the association was still responsible for covering the new system. When renovations began, it was discovered the system was connected to a variety of other systems that needed to be upgraded in order to meet code and to make the systems compatible.
The total Bragg Creek Community Centre renovation project was approximately $200,000 with Rocky View County helping by with $75,000 toward the renovations.
“When we had the flood inside the building it was a sad thing but also turned out to be good – we asked people what changes they wanted to see in the building and it made it more applicable to people who utilize the building,” Medwid explained.
The outside renovations, which will include a town square, pump track and pond skating, are part of the community association’s long-term vision as stated in last year’s vision statement.
“Facilities in Bragg Creek have served us well but are now getting worn and/or post-flood need repair work or relocation to address flood and use issues,” the statement read.
Part of the vision included a new playground adjacent to the community centre that was completed earlier this year. Now the association is focusing on the exterior amenities while replenishing the capital account.
The association president commented that communities all around the world have central meeting and gathering places and that is what they are striving to create in the hamlet.
“We are engaged with people in terms of what they want,” Medwid explained.
One of the fundraising initiatives for Bragg Creek Community Centre is titled Leaving a Legacy, which allows residents and visitors to purchase a stone that will be placed in an interlocking stone pathway. Funds from the initiative will go toward the playground and outdoor area.
“It is a great thing for the community, it builds inclusiveness,” Medwid said.
Bragg Creek has been rebuilding and working on community projects since the destruction of the hamlet in 2013 during the southern Alberta floods. The fundraising will go from 2016-18 with more fundraisers to be announced in the future.
For more information call staff at the Bragg Creek Community Centre at 403-949-4277.
FACTBOX
What $100,000 will help build:
Trees
Plants
Design
Signage
Trail construction
Pathway construction
Cycle skills equipment
Gazebo
Fire pits
Lighting
Benches
