chairman, Gordon Ellis, officially cut the ribbon. Children from Stanhope and Grand Tracadie schools were there in large numbers and sang “O Canada”. The weather was sunny but cool as the children took part in games and activities to celebrate the official opening. Dr. George Simpson opened the men’s tournament with the opening pitch.

Since 1979 the Recreation Commission has been fortunate enough to receive each summer a Young Canada Works project which has been used to operate a summer recreation program designed mainly for children; this consists of a day camp providing arts and craft opportunities, and a summer activity program which is based at Meadowland Park but moves to Pleasant Grove and York on a regular schedule. This program has grown more popular each year. The response from the children is very good and the parents appreciate having these activities made available.

Winter activities are limited when compared to those of the summer. The Recreation Commission has sponsored several winter carnivals, of which the dance was the most popular. Unfortunately each carnival day had little or no snow at the time, thus limiting many of the planned activities. A winter event which has achieved success in recent years is the film night for children, generally held during ‘ the Christmas and March breaks.

The main objective of the North Shore Recreation Commission has been to develop a facility and assist in providing programs for the people in the North Shore area. Leadership for the group has been strong with such people as Gordon Ellis (1978-79), Frank Morrison (1980), Lowell Vessey (1981), Fred MacCann (1982), and Gordon Ellis again in 1983, acting as chairmen. In recent years the executive has grown smaller, with the result that the commission is confining its energies to areas which it has found to be most successful; these are maintaining the park, and providing a summer program for the children, as well as some limited winter activities.

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