Eight members of the Carleton Place detachment of the Lanark County OPP received the I.O.D.E Award for the creation of the year-round multi-purpose sports facility in town.
In a video posted to social media, Sergeant Robert Croth said the lot, used as a hockey rink in the winter and ball hockey, basketball and more in the summer, has fostered a tight relationship between police and community.
Constable Bob Hawn said in a promotional video, there was much collaboration.
The idea for the sports pad began over a decade ago when the detachment saw the need to fill the vacant lot which was a frequent spot for vandalism and loitering for area youth, and the pad opened in 2019.
Story by Grant Deme
