Andrea Strathdee is a determined young woman. Several months ago when St. Marys Town Council announced that Cadzow Pool would close, she launched a campaign via Facebook, posters and public appeals to save it for the sake of the children of the community.
Because of technicalities relating to the terms of an infrastructure grant received two years ago for upgrades to the pool, Cadzow will re-open this summer after all. Strathdee is pleased about this but far from satisfied. The future of the pool — and the historic park that bears the same name — seems far from certain.
Currently she is co-chair of a new group in St. Marys: Friends of Cadzow. The group’s mandate is to promote the enjoyment of Cadzow Park and Pool. There are several goals:
• To promote a sense of community and neighbourhood;
• To encourage healthy outdoor activity;
• To help young children develop good water safety habits as well as enjoyment and confidence around the water;
• To increase awareness and use of Cadzow Park and Pool;
• To build awareness of and respect for the history of Cadzow within the community;
• To work towards the beautification and renewal of Cadzow Park;
• To work towards a bright future and long-term survival of Cadzow.
The group has had several meetings and formed an executive that includes Keri Favacho, treasurer, and Lauren O’Keefe, fundraising coordinator. Both are daycare providers who understand the value of this centrally located park for families with young children.
Also working on fundraising projects is Marlene Forman — an advocate for activities for children in St. Marys and area. Currently, a large teddy bear wearing a Friends of Cadzow T-shirt has a place of honour in the window of her downtown business, Cascade Cleaners.
Nancy and Louis Vermond, neighbours and supporters of Cadzow, are also directors, as is Mary Smith, who worked for many years at the St. Marys Museum and has a special interest in understanding and building on the history of the park as a place for community activities.
The Friends group is non-political although Strathdee hopes that all members of Town Council will keep in touch and attend future meetings or special events at the pool and park. The group knows that, to accomplish its aims, it needs to work cooperatively with Town of St. Marys Recreation department staff. A meeting with staff will take place before the end of June so that the Friends can gain some understanding of the issues concerning the pool and the park.
Stephanie Ische, Director of Recreation, is seeking public input about the future of Cadzow Park. The Friends of Cadzow will definitely be submitting suggestions and proposals. Other immediate objectives include creating a special events subcommittee to work on ways to encourage families to use Cadzow.
Strathdee has just received delivery of Friends of Cadzow buttons that she hopes to distribute throughout the summer. For information or to become involved, contact Strathdee via email at andy.s_2@hotmail.com or Facebook: http://www.