The Proposal: Actor Ryan Reynolds lends voice to effort to rename ‘The Pond’ at the Cobourg Community Centre

The Pond at the Cobourg Community Centre may soon bear a new name in honour of a young local hero.

Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds joined Grace Bowen’s parents, Greg and Andrea, Wednesday morning virtually to speak to Cobourg’s Community Protection and Economic Development Committee with a special request: to rename the Pond arena the Grace Bowen Arena.

Grace, a young hockey player from Grafton, inspired many during her brave battle with osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone cancer. She passed away at age nine.

“Boy did she change my life and I’m grateful for her,” Reynolds said. “In her short life she improved the lives of…I think it’s safe to say thousands of children.”

The committee passed the motion unanimously without deliberation. It will go before regular council on April 30 for final approval. Reynolds expressed his hope to attend any future dedication ceremony.

Also present in council chambers were Grace’s parents and her sister Mackenzie.

The request coincides with Cobourg’s tribute to the 150th anniversary of The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), where Grace received care. One of 150 SickKids Birthday Balloon Sculptures is currently on display in the CCC’s Grand Hall until April 13th.

To celebrate and support SickKids, the West Northumberland Girls Hockey Association is sponsoring a free community skate on Saturday, April 12th, from 2:15 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. at the CCC.

Residents are encouraged to attend and share photos of the balloon sculpture using #SickKids150 to raise awareness and honour the legacy of Grace Bowen.

(Written by: Joseph Goden)