Oxford Rallies for New Community Centre
UPDATED
A new volunteer group has formed to build a new community centre in Oxford.
The Oxford Community Centre Association is registered with Nova Scotia Joint Stocks. David Hoffman is President, Matthew Bragg Vice-President, Connie Pettigrew is Treasurer, Jordan Burkhardt is Secretary, with Directors Leta Macdiarmid, Chrystal McNutt, Paul Jones, and Troy Miller.
Jordan Burkhardt speaks for the not-for-profit that is exploring options for a modern and efficient community centre.
Estimated between seven and ten million dollars, Burkhardt hopes construction can begin within two years.
Speaking today on Six Rivers Radio’s Morning Talk, he said, “We’re very fortunate to have a dedicated and good group that wants to see the community thrive.”
When asked if a new facility could replace the Town Hall, and the Lions Club while offering a new community centre, Burkhardt said, “For the town, I don’t know enough on the particulars on their hall, but what we’re doing is, we’re going through our initial stages of that needs assessment, understanding what the community needs and making sure it is reasonable and something we can maintain in the long run.”
He added, “We’re in the initial stages. We envisage all community groups being able to use this hall and multi-purpose rooms for their meetings.”
The community group started its investigation last fall and Burkhardt says, “We’ve looked at some centres and looked at opportunities for funding,” but he admits it is not going to be easy.
The group does not feel Oxford will have to go at this alone. Burkhardt says the right facility should meet the town’s needs but it will also be of value to the surrounding area and benefit residents of Cumberland Municipality as well. He says, “Oxford is central to Cumberland County. This is not just for Oxford, this is for Cumberland County as a whole.”
The old high school property is the preferred location but the town has also offered some alternatives.
The community group has certainly generated some excitement and the spokesman says there has been lots of positive feedback.
He added, “What we are trying to do is make it affordable. Efficient and sustainable is a key part of what we are trying to accomplish.”
The group has its year mapped out, starting with the needs assessment followed by a round of consultations with the community to determine what it might look like, then to the fundraising challenge.
Undaunted, Burkhardt says, “We have a strong board and we have a strong community interest. There’s a need here and there’s a lot of dedicated individuals with lots of people reaching out already, offering to help in any way they can.”
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