The splash park project in Delisle has accomplished a major milestone after a groundbreaking ceremony on June 4.
The initial planning and fundraising for the project began three years ago and after receiving grants through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), construction can begin.
“Securing these grants is allowing us to move the vision forward, with the splash pad construction beginning in the extremely near future and wrapping up by the end of summer,” said Town of Delisle recreation liaison Lori Neault, during her speech at the groundbreaking ceremony.
Neault, who is also on the Delisle Splash park committee said the grand-opening of the splash park is slated for the spring of 2022.
The location of the future splash park is near the intersection of 4th Street West and 2nd Avenue, right by the ball diamonds and soccer pitch.
Through the ICIP grants, the federal government contributed $123,930 to the project while the provincial government added $103, 265. The town has put up $82,631 and that number includes the fundraising efforts from the splash park committee.
A total of $308, 826 has been allocated to the construction of the splash pad and it’s components but the committee is still raising funds for the overall amenities of the park.
Right now the space for the splash park is an open area and the committee wants to convert it into a green space where the public can enjoy themselves.
“We’re going to make it an actual park. It’s going to have fencing, we’re going to have seating areas, shade areas, picnic areas, and lighting,” said Neault.
Also, there will be a multi–use storage building on the site, which will house the mechanical parts of the splash pad, and it will be used to store equipment for Delisle’s minor ball and minor soccer associations.
With the location of the park right by the respective sport fields, Neault believes the park will be a great facility for youth to use when there are sporting tournaments going on.
It’s been a long time coming for a splash park in Delisle. Mayor Cary Burnett said there were discussions back in 2000, during her first term as a councillor, about having a pool or splash park, however, she said at the time it wasn’t feasible.
“Thankfully, another set of volunteers dreamed that same dream and this time they pushed forward with energy and excitement, fundraising for a splash park, said Burnett. “They brought the dream to council again and we found a site, which we all felt would be just right for the project.”
Again, the grant opportunities played a huge part in going forward with the project.
Rosetown-Elrose MLA Jim Reiter was also happy to see this project move forward and he is thankful for the members of the splash park committee who have put in countless hours in to this project, commending the tremendous work they have done.
“I had talked to former mayor Dave (Anderchek) I don’t know how many times about this project, over the last couple years, and it’s nice to see it take this huge step forward,” said Reiter.
Carlton Trail-Eagle Creek MP Kelly Block spoke at the ceremony and she believes that the splash park will be a vital facility in the community.
“Delisle is a vibrant and growing community with many young families who will benefit from this new recreational area,” she said. “For those long time residents I’m sure the new splash park will be seen as a wonderful addition and will serve to attract many new families, who no doubt will be joining the community in the months to come.”
There have been several challenges in making this project a reality and Neault is glad that the splash park will take shape in the upcoming months.
“It’s been a long process and I’m very excited to get it going. There has been a lot of behind the scenes work that went in to a big project like this,” she said.
Even though work is underway Neault said the committee is still fundraising so the splash park will be a bright spot in the community.