Loan approved for Wallaceburg Splash Pad

Chris Young is thrilled after the loan to the Wallaceburg Splash Pad committee was approved (John Tomecek)
Chris Young is thrilled after the loan to the Wallaceburg Splash Pad committee was approved (John Tomecek)

Chatham-Kent council gave the Wallaceburg Splash Pad committee the green light on Monday night, as an interest-free $50,000 loan was approved for the group.

“Now we can get to building it,” the Splash Pad group posted on social media.

“We can now start the request and selection process, we will build it.”

Council approved a staff recommendation that the loan be repaid over a five-year period at a rate of $10,000 per year.

Jane McGee, supervisor of recreation facilities in Wallaceburg, said in a report the committee had already raised $120,000 through community fundraising initiatives and pledged funds.

“The committee is very close to their target and do not wish to wait for another summer before the residents of the community can enjoy the benefits of the splash pad,” McGee said in her report.

“They would like to have the Splash Pad Request for Proposal advertised and awarded soon, so the splash pad can be built and operational by July 1, 2017.

Wallaceburg Coun. Jeff Wesley told the Sydenham Current he was happy to see the request receive unanimous approval from council.

“The entire Splash Pad committee deserves a huge thanks from the community,” Wesley said.

“Carmen (McGregor) and I have had the pleasure of being involved in the committee and they are a dedicated group with a real passion for this project under the leadership of Chris Young. Jane McGee with C-K has been a great asset to the group and her report/request last night was passed unanimously. Fundraising still needs to be done but the project can now move forward to construction.”

The Splash Pad committee said their fundraising efforts are far from over.

The group also announced that the Wallaceburg Kinsmen Club stepped up with a $10,000 donation towards the project, which was also announced on Monday.

“Thank you Wallaceburg and community for your unwavering support to this project,” the group posted.

Watch for more on this story.


– Photo credit: John Tomecek

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