Posted Dec 12, 2017, 10:58 PM
|
|
Wildcats Rule!!
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Moncton NB
Posts: 34,451
|
|
City of Moncton news release regarding the new Ian Fowler Oval
Quote:
Significant contribution helps create new downtown public space dedicated to the late Ian Fowler
December 12, 2017
MONCTON – Earlier today, Moncton Mayor Dawn Arnold recognized the significant financial contribution of long-time Monctonians Jon and Leslie Manship toward the new public space leading into the city’s Events Centre. The $1.1 million donation by the Manships will be for infrastructure improvements to the multi-season ‘oval’, to be named in the memory of Ian Fowler, a former City employee who passed away in 2011.
“I want to express my sincere appreciation to Leslie and Jon Manship for their generous support toward this urban development space in our community,” said Mayor Arnold. “Moncton is fortunate to have many citizens who believe in our city and who want to contribute to enhance our quality of life. We are grateful for the Manships’ pride in Moncton, and for their willingness to step forward and participate in improving the plaza. This space is a game-changer, not only for downtown, but for our city as a whole.”
“We feel very strongly that this new public gathering space will have a positive impact on our community, and we know that this was one of Ian’s dreams. His leadership in our community, and his unfaltering desire to keep aiming higher and better for our city, inspired us to participate in this project. We are truly honoured to do this in his memory, and for our fellow Monctonians,” stated Jon and Leslie Manship.
The late Ian Fowler’s wife Susan Fowler was on-hand for the announcement and was touched by this recognition. “Ian truly loved Moncton. He would be so pleased to see this public gathering place take shape. The girls and I feel that naming this space the ‘Ian Fowler Oval’ is a very fitting tribute to his legacy, and hope that this will be a space to be enjoyed by Monctonians and visitors for many years to come. We want to thank the Manships’ for their thoughtfulness and generosity.”
A public visioning exercise – the Ideas Workshop – was held in December 2015 to help feed the design of the outdoor plaza. It became clear that residents had a grand vision for this space, which included multi-season uses. The Oval will feature a skating rink during winter, and serve as a location for activities during special events and shows throughout the year.
About Ian Fowler
Ian Fowler was the City of Moncton’s General Manager of Economic Development, Tourism & Culture with more than
31 years of service to the City of Moncton. He passed away in 2011.
Highlights of Ian’s career:
Transformed Magnetic Hill into a major concert site which and helped attract significant sporting events including the World Junior Baseball Championships, the World Junior Track and Field Championships and Touchdown Atlantic.
Played a major role in landing several mega concerts like The Rolling Stones, ACDC and U2.
Helped bring the Moncton Miracles professional basketball of the NBL Canada to Moncton.
Played a key role in the construction of Stade Moncton on the Université de Moncton Campus.
Developed Camp Centennial in partnership with the Rotary Club of Moncton.
Was instrumental in establishing Sports Moncton, a group created to attract sport tourism.
Helped establish the Moncton Kiwanis Minor Basketball Association and a was an administrator,
coach and referee.
Was the president of the NB Camping Association and the Canadian Camping Association.
Recognized by the Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance as the Industry Builder of the Year in 2007.
Inducted into Athletics Canada’s Hall of Fame in the Builder Category in 2013.
Inducted into the Moncton Sports Wall of Fame in the Builder Category in 2016.
|
And for those interested in seeing the live feed of the light display playing across the crown of the events centre - here's the link to the webcam:
http://www.moncton.ca/Visitors/Web_C...own_Centre.htm
And fittingly the Ian Fowler Oval is in the foreground.
__________________
Go 'Cats Go
|