Two recently-added amenities celebrated at Libro Centre

By Ron Giofu

A pair of recent additions to the Libro Centre were celebrated last weekend.

Billed as the “Libro Centre Celebration Day,” the town and user groups officially opened the new skateboard park and the new mountain biking trail Saturday morning, the latter created by the Windsor-Essex Bike Community (WEBC).

“We’re here to celebrate two big ribbon cuttings,” said director of parks, facilities, recreation and culture Heidi Baillargeon.

The first stop was the bike trails, located on the north sides of the berm. The trail was created by WEBC volunteers with fundraising helping to pay for a professional trail builder that was used for part of the process.

“This was accomplished in a very short period of time,” said Baillargeon. “WEBC had a dream and WEBC made this dream come true.”

Baillargeon added: “This is a great thing for families and everyone to enjoy.”

Mayor Michael Prue believed the Libro Centre

Celebration Day “marks a significant moment for our town,” adding his belief the new outdoor amenities will “enhance the quality of life for our residents” and foster a sense of community, health and well-being.

“This is just the most magnificent opening of two park amenities that I can possible imagine,” said Prue.

Prue presented an award to WEBC to recognize them for their efforts and said town council supported the initiative.

“All of council supported this and it was the fastest thing I’ve ever seen anything happen,” he said.

It is the first of a multi-phase cycling trail project with future phases, pending council approval, to surround the perimeter of the Libro Centre property.

Dave Doherty, one of four WEBC directors, thanked council and administration for their support. He noted they were quickly able to get the work done.

“It was amazing,” he said. “We’re very grateful.”

After a demonstration at the bike trails, the scene shifted to the new skateboard park where another celebration was conducted. Baillargeon pointed out the park was originally in H. Murray Smith Centennial Park but