Woodstock Lawn Bowling Club benefits from Trillium grant

The Woodstock Lawn Bowling Club received a provincial government grant of over $50,000 last week. On hand for the presentation were, left to right, Liz Wismer-Van Meer (Woodstock City Councillor representing the Mayor), Lorraine McLean (Woodstock Lawn Bowling Club President), Michelle Beauchamp (Ontario Trillium Foundation Representative), and Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman. (Contributed Photo)

Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Woodstock Lawn Bowling Club has received a much-needed funding boost after the announcement of a $50,200 capital grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF).

Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman was on hand at the Finkle Street location to make the announcement.

“Congratulations to the Woodstock Lawn Bowling Club on receiving this well-deserved Ontario Trillium Grant. This funding will help preserve a valued community space and ensure that generations to come can continue to enjoy the sport. I want to thank all the volunteers and members whose dedication keeps this tradition thriving right here in Oxford.”

The grant was instrumental in allowing the facility to update its old electrical system, replace entrance steps that were deteriorating and purchase new equipment for maintaining the lawn bowling greens.

“These upgrades will give our community improved access to the game of lawn bowls and events at the Woodstock Lawn Bowling Club for years to come. We will have the opportunity to host regional and provincial championships due to our fantastic greens and upgraded facility,” said club president Lorraine McLean.

“The impact of this Ontario government grant cannot be overstated. This grant has allowed the needed renovations to be made,” she added. “The facility with electrical upgrade is more cost efficient, and the replacement of the entrance steps is safer, and the new lawn equipment helps us keep our greens at a high-quality standard. We are very thankful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Ontario Government for this wonderful grant.”

The Woodstock Lawn Bowling Club is committed to preserving the clubhouse and the lawn bowling green so the community can enjoy lawn bowling as a sport for many years. If you wish to enquire about the Woodstock Lawn Bowling Club or hosting an event, please visit its website at www.woodstocklawnbowling.ca.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested nearly $105 million into 732 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment.