Town council has thrown its enthusiastic support behind the formation of a community stakeholders committee to take another look at establishing a community splash park here in Osoyoos.
The idea of a community splash park was discussed by the previous council dating back more than three years ago, but the project “never got off the ground” and hopefully that won’t be the case this time, said Coun. C.J. Rhodes.
Gerald Davies, director of community services for the Town of Osoyoos, told councillors at its first regular meeting of 2012 on Monday, that staff has determined there is significant interest in building a community splash park in Osoyoos.
“There has been discussion among numerous service clubs and community members,” said Davies. “It has been discussed by staff and staff is prepared to work on this and volunteers are ready.”
Forming a community stakeholders committee will allow all interested parties to work together to make this dream a reality, said Davies.
Coun. Mike Plante said forming community stakeholder groups has proven the most effective way of getting everyone who is interested in a major project involved and he’s confident there will be tremendous support across the community to not only joining the committee, but working towards making the project a reality.
Coun. Sue McKortoff agreed.
“This has been an issue in the public’s mind for some time and I know many people will be delighted this discussion is being brought back to the forefront,” she said. “I believe a community stakeholder group is a good way of dealing with this issue and the committee will bring forward off of the information we need.”
McKortoff is hopeful ” a lot of people will want to be part of this group” and can work together to not only come up with a concept, but also identify community partners and eventually the costs involved.
Plante reiterated the residents of Osoyoos have made it clear a splash park is a high priority and forming a community stakeholders committee will get the ball rolling to make concrete plans in the coming months.
“I’m looking forward to getting the community involved … we’re going to see our community shine with this project,” Plante said. “I really see this moving forward in a positive way.”
Rhodes said he’s also very excited about the prospect of a new splash park in Osoyoos, which he believes would be heavily used by not only local residents, but the tens of thousands of tourists who come here every year.
“In my mind, I already have it built,” said Rhodes smiling.
Mayor Stu Wells, speaking via phone conference call from southern California, said he’s confident the planning of a splash park for Osoyoos will go smoother this time than it did when first discussed three years ago.
“It certainly didn’t get off the ground the first time around and I’m really looking forward to another opportunity to having a second kick at the can, so to speak,” he said. “We need answers for things like water sources and costs and this committee can give us that.
“I believe it can be done in an economic way and I’m looking forward to discussions.”
