By Sandra Pilote and Aysha Farouk
For the 9th year, volunteers from the Lowertown East Residents Committee assisted by the Lowertown Our Home Coordinator and partner organizations brightened a February winter day by organizing activities for all ages in Jules Morin Park. Close to 200 individuals came out to enjoy a BBQ and good weather with their neighbours in this special public space.
While the bouncy castle was a key attraction for young ones with lots of physical energy, MASC artist Marc Walter provided a creative outlet for others with his interactive environmental art activity that produced whimsical twig structures filled with silver birds.
One highlight for all ages was the hockey challenge organized by Sébastien Lemay, our community police officer. A line up of big Ottawa Police Service officers that included Councillor Mathieu Fleury was seriously outplayed by a group of young Lowertown residents.
Whether taking part in activities around the park or munching on a hot dog or snacks, there was background music by JUMP 106.9. If you popped inside the fieldhouse, artwork by kids from Club 310 and heritage information by the Lowertown Community Association was on view.
All participants agreed that it was a fun way to spend an afternoon and to feel part of a community. So keep your skates sharpened as the organizers hope to see everyone again next year for the 10th annual Winterfest.