The Let Them Be Kids Initiative is a first of its kind. This nation-wide program helps communities build capacity and community involvement amongst citizens, while also building playgrounds in areas of need, laying a strong foundation for a brighter tomorrow for all.

Over 80 communities and regions across Canada have applied to be LTBK communities. Clarenville was selected to receive a grant, allowing it to hold a multi-day Let Them Be Kids event, which includes the construction of a new playground through the "community build" method.

So come and be a part as we not only build a playground for kids, but more importantly, build them a better community and a brighter tomorrow.

The Coordinating Committee has identified four major outcomes from this project:

  »To create a modern and safe playspace for children and their families
  »To empower the community in efforts of community capacity building
  »Build on Clarenville’s reputation for being a progressive and livable community
  »Creating ongoing opportunities for partnerships

All are invited to participate. So that we can plan accordingly, we ask that you pre-register for the events you wish to attend. It's quick and easy. Just click the link to the Registration Form.

Thank you to our national sponsors...

Thursday, May 25	Event Supporters
S.A.D.D. (Students Against Drunk Driving) Event "I Can Move the World" "Give me a place to stand and I can move the world." Using this famous quote as the launching point, this program provides an evening of education on how you can reach your full potential while also lightening the burden of your fellow man. Time: 6 pm - 7:30 pm Location: Clarenville High School Resources Centre
Ecumenical Event (Ministerial Association) »Register »Learn More Inter-denominational meeting - "Building Community Nehemiah's Way" This event invites people of all faiths to come together for an evening of inspiration. Using as a backdrop for teaching the story of Nehemiah and his efforts to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, Ian Hill North America's foremost community change agent, gives us a roadmap for effecting grassroots community improvement in the modern day. Participants will leave with renewed sense of the true meaning of neighbor as well as practical tools to change the world or at least their little corner of it! Time: 7:30 pm - 9 pm Location: Memorial United Church, Clarenville
Friday, May 26
Business Breakfast »Register »Learn More "Building Success for Employers, Employees and the Community" A morning keynote for private industry focuses on how to increase business profitability, as well as the effectiveness and satisfaction of employees and the quality of life in the local community. Co-sponsored by the Clarenville Area Chamber of Commerce. Time: 8 am - 9 am Location: Clarenville Inn (Cost for buffet breakfast - $12.00)
Public Leaders Forum »Register »Learn More "Building Stronger Communities" Leading-edge communities don't happen without leading-edge community leaders. Created specifically for elected officials and public leaders, this event gathers the region's leadership for a day of education and conversation. Topics include, the common elements of successful community leadership, a community development planning model, strategies for engaging and building community and a personal toolkit of facilititative tools and techniques to engage citizenry. Co-sponsored by the Clarenville Town Council. Time: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm Location: Clarenville Inn (Registration Fee $25.00)
Youth Summit "The Power of One - Making a Difference in Reducing Drug Issues in Your Community" Clarenville High School students will be inspired to see the power of their potential, and will be introduced to the tangible tools and meaningful information they will need to change the world, or at least their little corner of it. Time: 1 pm - 2:30 pm Location: Clarenville High School
NLP/RA Conference Keynote Address (for Conference attendees) (Fees Included in Conference Registration Fee) Time: 7 pm - 8 pm Location: Clarenville Middle School
Saturday, May 27
Power of One Community Rally »Register »Learn More This powerful and unifying mid-day community rally which is free to the general public... offers inspiring national speakers... and hosts a Conversation Café for targeted dialogue among attendees, that will focus on community improvement. Participants will have time to share ideas with each other and plan cooperative efforts for the common good. Attendees will then be invited to join in and help build the Moore's Road Playground. Time: 11 am - 2 pm Location: TBA
Saturday, May 27 and Sunday, May 28
Community Playground Build »Register This day offers a "hands-on" chance to make the community a better place. The Moore's Road Playground Project is to be completed by community volunteers. Come lend a hand as we enhance one of our community playgrounds. Time: 1 pm - 6 pm both days Location: Moore's Road Playground

The Town of Clarenville is a vibrant community with many young families. Through the Clarenville Area Recreation Association (CARA), Clarenville has build and maintained a half-dozen playground facilities that support the Town's commitment to its youth. During the past 5 years, CARA has focused on renewing many of the playground spaces in the town.

Moore's Road Playground

Moore's Road playground is located in a high density section of Clarenville where there are many children, many from challenged home environments. The Town has recently taken over this playground from the provincial housing authority and has committed to rejuvenating the area for this coming summer. Currently, Moore's Road playground has dated equipment that is suffering from the effects of use, age and vandalism. The Newfoundland Parks and Recreation Association will be holding their annual meeting in Clarenville this spring. The Moore's Road playground will be a showcase project at that event.

After consultations with the neighborhood, CARA has committed to purchase a play structure that includes a slide, sliding pole, rock climber and climbing rings. Additionally, baby swing sets and various pieces of independent play equipment will be added. Site improvements will be made to ensure child safety. Obstacles will be removed and adequate pea gravel will be placed on-site. Fencing and parking will also be addressed.

Let Them Be Kids Clarenville is the collaborative effort of local organizations. If you would like to know more about the vision and strategic plans of our partners, we invite you to visit their Web sites.

• Town of Clarenville
• Clarenville Area Recreation Association
  (Garry Gosse, 709-466-7731, CARA@clarenville.net)
• Rotary Club of Clarenville
• Cabot Home Centre
  (Contact: Kevin King, 276 Balbo Drive, Clarenville, NL A5A 4B3 (709) 466-7624, Fax: 466-7624)
• Ross Wiseman (MHA - Trinity North)

We thank our LTBK Clarenville supporters for their unselfish support of this effort to make our community a better place.

Town of Clarenville Chamber of Commerce	Newfoundland and Labrador Parks/Recreation Association	Clarenville Rotary Club
Clarenville Home Hardware	St. Jude Hotel	TIM-BR Mart
Family Resource Centre

Clarenville is a thriving community located on the East Coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. It is nestled in the beautiful Shoal Harbour River Valley, between rolling hills and an arm of the Atlantic Ocean called Random Sound. Since its incorporation in 1951, Clarenville has grown into a prominent community with a population of over 5,000 people.

A key component of Clarenville's economy is driven by the service industry as it provides for the needs of some 96,000 people living in 90 communities within a 100 km radius. Strategically located between three major peninsulas, Clarenville is within a two hour reach of 70% of the province's population.

The town is a natural gateway to the scenic Discovery Trail. The trail is a panorama of scenery, historic sites, coastal towns and villages, and natural wonders. There is plenty to do and see with interpretative and historic sites, museums, craft shops, and historical pageantries. Opportunities to experience nature include whale watching, bird watching, and berg-chasing. It has become the fastest growing destination in Newfoundland and Labrador, offering plenty of opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Clarenville is a progressive community with an available workforce and training institutions ready to respond to the needs of industry. Clarenville's strategic location on the Trans Canada Highway, combined with a well serviced and available industrial/commercial area, ski resort, local airstrip, tax incentive programs and reasonable tax rates, has made the town a prime location for business in Newfoundland and Labrador. As Clarenville continues to develop its residential and commercial areas, Clarenville businesses are provided with opportunities for today and an even more promising tomorrow.

For further information about Let Them Be Kids Clarenville:
Clarenville Area Recreation Association
Town of Clarenville, Newfoundland
Contact - Gary Gosse, Recreation Director, Town of Clarenville, 709-466-7731, cara@clarenville.net.