The Hanwell LSD Advisory Committee, Hanwell Community Development Association, and the Brookdale Recreation Association would like to thank the residents of Hanwell LSD who were able to participate at the open house and information session hosted on May 30th. The turn out was able to fill the presentation room from wall to wall with approximately 60 participants. Participants were entertained by the amazing piano playing from the "Hanwell Entertainers Loving Performing" (HELP) who raised $107.25 for the Fredericton Food Bank (performers are from the Hanwell community).

Thank-you for the generosity of those who were able to donate for this great cause. At the event Brian from Dan Glenn Group who is the consultant for our project was able to review the theory behind the design and layout of the property and reminded participants that it is the "residents of Hanwell" who will determine the final design along with limitations of the property regarding recognition of any wetland protection requirements and other legal requirements. There was great support for the design concept and the phased in approach was well aligned with the overwhelming response and requests for trails (walking, biking, snowshoeing, skiing, etc).

The two follow-up steps from the meeting was to form the HCDA Communications Committee (Chair Shelley Landsburg), the HCDA Development Committee (Chair Joe Ruggeri) and to submit the lease application to the Provincial Government for the property. More to follow regarding the committees but at this time we are still looking for interested groups to contact the Development Committee to confirm what sporting activities you would like to ensure are included and the design requirements for your respective activities.

From the requirements, the Development Committee will with the organizations involved to determine the activities which will be supported based on the needs of the residents of Hanwell as well as the timeline (assistance from groups for planning, funding, labour, machine time, etc). More to follow, watch for the official communications form the HCDA Communication Committee. The lease application was reviewed today (July 5th, 2011) and received initial confirmation regarding the content of the lease and the requested property and purpose of the lease and within 2-3 weeks we will be made aware of the approve/decline of the lease and ongoing next steps. Now is the time to let HCDA know what your club, association, group's requirements are for activities.

The property is approximately 70 acres and includes such things as tennis, basketball, t-ball/baseball, soccer fields, play grounds, community garden, nature outreach/education, etc and is meant to not only respond to the sports but also to other recreation and educational purposes. We welcome all and any feedback as well as all and any support... even if you contact us to let us know you are willing to assist with clearing part of a walking trail we want to hear from you! It is Hanwell's Park.... and planned to be a community event.

We are all volunteers but dedicated to making Hanwell the place we continue to be proud of. Many of the volunteers are from the Rural Plan committee and feedback from the Rural planning process, the many years of the Hanwell LSD Advisory Committee and the few years of the HCDA are all incorporated along with casual conversations with friends and neighbours so it is truly an attempt at making this a community bonding event.

Thank-you for your interest and we look forward to hearing from you. Watch the websites, twitter, Facebook, and the news letter for updates over the next months regarding the progress and many hands make light work... come lend a hand...