Supported by local grants, volunteer dedication is turning big infrastructure plans into real community progress.

Fall has officially arrived in Melgund Township, bringing crisp, cool air and a damp Saturday drizzle across the grounds. But at Melgund Recreation, Arts and Culture, we know that community recreation doesn’t stop when the weather turns. This past weekend, our non-profit team and local volunteers were right out in the elements at the Dyment Recreation Hall and Park, rolling up our sleeves to take down this year’s event tents.

It was a morning of hard physical labor—unbolting steel frames, folding heavy canvas, and hauling equipment—but it was also filled with great conversation and shared laughter. Clearing these tents is a crucial milestone: it officially opens up the site so work can begin on prepping for brand-new concrete pads. These infrastructure upgrades are generously supported by the Local Services Board of Melgund, the Ontario Trillium Foundation Capital Grant program and the Nuclear Waste Management Organization, bringing exciting new opportunities for park programming.

As an organization that supports healthy, active living, local arts, and rural culture, we see firsthand how vital these kinds of projects are. Volunteers are the backbone of small-town recreation. When neighbours give their time and energy to care for shared spaces, they do far more than complete a physical task—they lay the groundwork for a healthier, more resilient community. These collaborative efforts strengthen local ties, create a sense of shared ownership, and ensure our public spaces remain welcoming hubs for all ages.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us out in the rain this weekend. Your dedication keeps our programs running, our spaces growing, and our township thriving!