Saint John, NB – J.D. Irving, Limited has stepped up to support the revitalization of west Saint John’s Dominion Park, as the Dominion Park Community Association’s first corporate sponsor. 

The Association announced today the Saint John-based J.D. Irving, Limited will donate $100,000 to the effort, enabling the advancement of the project’s first phase.   

“If Covid-19 has taught us anything, it's that community infrastructure is an incredibly important piece of our social fabric,” Dominion Park Community Association President Derek Chaisson said. “Dominion Park is a jewel in our community that can be brought back to life with commitments like the one J.D. Irving, Limited has made. Thanks to their support we’re able to move a step closer to realizing our vision and are well on our way to closing the phase one funding gap.”

The investment will help fund the development of Phase One of the project, which includes an improved, permanent amenities building with accessible bathrooms, an eatery for rent, rest facilities for staff and lifeguards and a much improved accessible outdoor space including a sunset lookout at the entrance to the beach. This will replace temporary facilities that have been used since flooding destroyed much of the park’s infrastructure in 2018.

“From beach clean-ups to fundraising initiatives, the community has worked tirelessly to restore and enhance Dominion Park. Today’s announcement is proof of their efforts. We certainly appreciate the strong support from our corporate sponsor, J.D. Irving, Limited,” Ward One Councilor Greg Norton said. “Moving forward with revitalization plans will make the Park a destination for people, no matter where they live.”

The Dominion Park Community Association’s first phase is estimated to cost $1.2 million, with J.D. Irving, Limited’s donation representing the first corporate contribution towards the Association’s fundraising goal. A total of $6,500 has been raised to date by the community. Saint John Common Council will consider an investment of $865,000 through its 2022 capital budget later this year. Applications have been submitted to the provincial and federal governments for evaluation.

“We are happy to support our friends and neighbours on the West side by helping revitalize this important local asset,” said Jim Irving, co-CEO of J.D. Irving, Limited. “Like we’ve done with the Irving Nature Park and Children’s Forest, we want to keep working to enhance outdoor recreation options here in Saint John, where we live and work.”

Phases two and three will include enhanced recreation amenities such as a playground, improved picnic facilities, trails and boat access.

Located on Saint John’s west side, Dominion Park is a popular year-round recreation destination. In summer, the stretch of beach provides ideal access to the Saint John River for swimmers and boaters. The Park currently features a playground, basketball nets, picnic and barbecue areas, and washroom and changing room facilities. Park users can also enjoy hiking trails, rock climbing, kayaking and a treetop aerial adventure park.

To learn more visit: https://thecommunityfoundationsj.com/funds/the-dominion-park-revitalization-fund/

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For more information, contact:

Derek Chaisson
(506) 651-5640

Anne McInerney
(506) 651-9092