Jack Shaw Gardens, located near Osoyoos Elementary School and the Sonara Centre, has been identified as the preferred location for a new Splash Park for the Town of Osoyoos, said Coun. Mike Plante during Monday’s regular meeting of town council.
Numerous community members have joined town staff in talking about and discussing the proposed splash park, which supporters are hoping to have opened to the public some time in 2013, said Plante.
Jack Shaw Gardens has easy beach access away from vehicular traffic and is close to the town’s busy community centre and elementary school, so it appears to be an ideal location, but the matter will be discussed more at future meetings, said Plante.
“I’m a big kid myself, so I know I’m going to be using this park,” he said.
The committee has received $10,000 in the town’s 2012 budget to prepare a feasibility study and select a site. They have $90,000 in funding put away in reserves to make the park a reality and they hope to finalize details in September or October, said Plante.
The committee still has plans to talk to and consult with local children in designing the concept for the park, he said. “We want them to let their imaginations run wild on their vision for the splash park,” he said.
This project has been on and off the table in Osoyoos for a number of years now and is now officially moving forward, said Plante.
“Families have been pushing for this splash park for a long time. In only a few months of being on council, I have had an incredible number of businesses and volunteers stepping up to ensure this project moves forward.”
“The Town of Osoyoos has also made the commitment to make a substantial investment to move the Splash Park forward. Everyone is eager to collaborate which is fabulous,” said Plante.
The park is part of a big picture plan to attract and retain more families in the Osoyoos area.
Gerald Davis, director of community services and a leader with the organizing committee, will be doing public outreach to ensure children, families, businesses and residents all have the opportunity to share ideas and support the local splash park.
Cheryle King, president of the Osoyoos Rotary Club, said “we are pleased to be leading the fundraising for the Osoyoos Splash Park and are open to receiving support from other organizations and volunteers.”
The Osoyoos Rotary Club is involved in a number of fundraising initiatives throughout the year such as the Rotary Golf Tournament.
These events raise thousands of dollars for local causes such as the Splash Park, said King.
If anyone has ideas, they can contact Jim King at 250-495-7751 or by email at [email protected] or call Judy Sloan at 250-485-8430 or email at [email protected].