The DPPCA is a Community Association recognized by the City of Kitchener. Our mandate is to provide recreation programming and to encourage residents of all ages to be engaged in our community.
All residents of the Doon Pioneer Park Community (see boundary map) are members of the DPPCA. Every year at our Annual General Meeting, we elect a volunteer Board of Directors to run the association and to oversee its programs and events. Anyone who lives within the boundaries of the DPPCA and who is 18 years or older can be nominated for a position on the Board of Directors and can vote at the AGM.
DPPCA Vision Statement
It is the goal of the DPPCA to provide members of the Doon Pioneer Park Community with opportunities to participate in and or direct community centered events and activities. Our purpose is to assist in the development of a stronger community by providing access to affordable activities, programs and events that encourage a sense of community.
DPPCA Mission Statement
Our mission is to assist in building a stronger sense of community by developing, organizing, planning, implementing, and promoting community based programs, activities and events which meet the leisure and recreational needs of the Doon Pioneer Park Community. To achieve this goal, the DPPCA will on an annual basis and with input from the community, review the activities and events undertaken by the Association.
Aim and Objective of the DPPCA
- To represent the residents within the boundaries of the DPPCA in areas concerning proposed changes, or planned changes, which affect the community.
- To promote friendly community spirit within the geographic area of the DPPCA to encourage participation of all residents of the area in the workings and offerings of the DPPCA.
- To cooperate with existing groups in the Doon Pioneer Park area, so that a well coordinated program of activities will result.
DPPCA Boundary Map
Some great accomplishments from the DPPCA
The Spray-ground
The Doon Pioneer Park spray-ground, has helped keep the community children cooled off during the hot summer months since it first opened in 1996. It was funded by grants from the Southwest Optimist Club, the City of Kitchener, donations from many schools, businesses and individuals. The Spray-ground consists of a concrete pad with a sprinkler system, a brightly decorated pump house, picnic tables, bench seating and a sun shelter for those who need the shade. The spray-ground is open from June until September; weather permitting. There is no cost to use, as it is free for the public to enjoy.
Doon Skatium Mobile Skateboard Park
Our portable skateboard park was born from a desire of local groups and individuals to provide fun, healthy, safe activities for the youth of our community. With funding from the Festival of Neighbourhoods grant, a Trillium Foundation grant and donations from the City of Kitchener and the Southwest Optimists, the park opened with great fanfare in 2001. It continues to be operated in the parking lot at the Community Centre from the spring months through to fall; weather permitting. It consists of various grind rails, flyover boxes, a 1/4 pipe and is open to any youth with a skateboard, inline skates or BMX bike. The park is run by the City of Kitchener staff who monitor the use of safety gear, such as helmets and provide technical support for equipment repairs. Throughout the summer months, this portable park is shared with other community centres on a rotating schedule.
Doon Pioneer Park Community Garden
The DPPCG is a 16 plot vegetable garden located on city property beside the Community Centre. It was started in 1999. Gardeners have access to tools, water and compost to maintain their individual plot, in return, for helping to maintain the pathways and fence rows around the pesticide free garden. The garden was designed in the shape of a wagon wheel to honour the history and the heritage of the garden location. Garden plots are available every Spring.
If you are interested call 519-741-2641 to find out more.
DPPCA Volleyball Classic
The DPPCA Volleyball Classic is the largest indoor hard court tournament in Ontario. Attracting teams from all over the province, this tournament brings together players of all ages and abilities for a 2 day extravaganza. The tournament offers 4 levels of play, prizes, friendly competitions and the Volleyball Classic dance. The main event is held in April and a 1 day event is held in November. Check out our newsletter for details.
DPPCA Christmas Miracle
This annual program was started in 1982 by residents who wanted to share the meaning and spirit of Christmas with their less fortunate neighbours. Each year, the Christmas Miracle provides hampers to more than 50 families in need. In early December, local schools, businesses and individuals collect and donate gifts of non-perishable food items, cash, toys and yarn. The yarn is distributed to local knitters who create warm hats and mitts for our community’s children. Later in December, the gift hampers are packed and distributed, neighbour to neighbour. If you would like to help out, contact the Community Centre at 519-741-2641 in early November. If you need a Christmas hamper, contact a local community service or the Outreach worker at the Centre.
