Glenboro Splash Park Committee asking for community input

A few months ago, a small group of local young Moms spearheaded by Shelby Bellow formed a committee; their intention was to explore the feasibility of having a splash park in our community. The first step they took towards their goal was requesting support from our local council which was met with positive feedback and support of the project. Shelby commented that the group is still in the preliminary stages of the project, but the support from the Glenboro South Cypress Council members is very encouraging. “We haven’t even chosen a design or location for the park yet, right now we are looking into what is available for funding and are asking the community for their thoughts and ideas and if they would be in favour of supporting the project as well,” she explained.

Survey’s have been sent out to Glenboro residents requesting their input regarding a number of topics including: ideal location, willingness to donate to the project, if they feel it would bring value to the community and, if from out of town, what other services would you likely use? Once surveys are filled out they may be dropped off at the RM office, mailed or can also be completed online. While surveys have only been sent to Glenboro residents, Shelby encourages anyone from nearby communities to fill out the survey which will be posted on Spruce Lakes Rec District’s page on FaceBook later this week.

“If we go ahead with the park, it will be at least few years until it is complete. The company they are considering has their own contracted company that specifically applies to all provincial and federal grants on our behalf,” said Shelby who added that a ball park figure is in the vicinity of $600,000.

The idea of the park came to Shelby through a series of situations. Firstly, as Vice Chair of the Glenboro Health Action Committee, it became very clear to Shelby that a variety of services as well as recreational facilities in a community can not only serve as an attraction to a doctor or any family considering relocating to our community, but it can also help them decide to make this their permanent home.

The second is due to being Mom to two young children; Shelby found that she was packing up her kids and going to nearby communities to use their services. “Travelling multiple times a week to surrounding communities to either use their pools and splash parks is common to us Moms with young children. We don’t only utilize the recreation services but we often stop in at the stores and restaurants while we are there,” she explained.

There are many benefits to a splash park aside from a fun way to cool off on a hot humid summer day. Water play is a powerful tool for children’s learning and sensory. A variety of textures, temperatures and measurements enable young children to splash, pour (filling buckets and pouring pails of water), learn and have fun. Depending on the design, a splash park can be inclusive for all ages and abilities.

They operate with very little maintenance and can remain open from spring to fall. “And” Shelby added smiling; “it can be utilized by all ages and is accessible to those suffering from a physical ailment.” A splash pad is also a lot easier to install, they can virtually be set up anywhere and are very safe. Many municipalities have switched to splash parks because there is no standing water, the rough stucco like texture is non-slip and due to the safety of its design, doesn’t come with a huge hike to insurance.

The survey asks for suggestions for location and the committee has two spots (although open to further suggestions) in mind. The first being near Glenboro’s mascot, Sara the Camel, at the east entrance into town, and the second, a small section of land owned by the Glenboro Ag. Society near the ball diamonds and camp sites.

Shelby commented the location near Highway 2 could really work in the town’s favour as it may attract those passing by, and it definitely would be a great location for the Day Care and Personal Care which are both within walking distance. There is already a pergola there and it is an attractive green space. “While public washrooms are not a requirement it would be a great addition and this would be a perfect spot for them.”

The fairgrounds also has benefits as it would be close to where families set up their campers. “The spot would be very green as well but my fear is that it may not be used as much,”said Shelby thoughtfully.

As mentioned, this project is in the very early stages; “We haven’t even chosen a design so we have no idea of what the cost would be. I do, however, know that once up and running a splash park is pretty much maintenance free,” she explained. Shelby also mentioned that committee member Kyrsten Godard is an occupational therapist so she will be really mindful of the design to promote physical and sensory experiences to the young, physically challenged and elderly.

Shelby and her committee of Cassandra Jamieson, Larissa Hamilton, Kyrsten Godard, Courtney Cabernel and Brittany Wallis are urging everyone to fill out and submit the survey as soon as possible. “We really value everyone’s suggestions and we also encourage people from surrounding towns to fill out the survey online through Spruce Lakes Recreation’s group on FaceBook.” said Shelby in closing.