Cooling off will become a lot more fun for Lumby youth.
The community is moving ahead with a water spray park after the provincial government announced $348,258 for upgrades to Oval Park Tuesday.
“It’s going to be amazing,” said Mayor Kevin Acton.
“If we want youth in our community, we need facilities for them.”
Presently, children have access to the swimming pool but it’s not well designed to handle toddlers.
Besides the spray park for children, outdoor fitness equipment will be installed in Oval Park.
“It’s a great project because it covers both ends of the demographic scale — children and adults,” said Eric Foster, Vernon-Monashee MLA, adding that the exercise equipment will be popular with seniors.
“These kinds of projects enhance the community.”
Foster believes it is important for the provincial government to assist communities with recreational amenities because of the cost of infrastructure.
“Some times you get behind when you’re also having to deal with water, roads and sewer,” he said.
The total price tag for the spray park and fitness equipment will be $435,322, with Lumby and Cherryville taxpayers contributing $57,064.
There will also be $30,000 from the Teddy’s Angels and Martin’s Devils ball teams and support from the Lumby Lions.
“We are thankful these opportunities are available given the economic times,” said Rick Fairbairn, White Valley Parks and Recreation chairperson.
“All of this provides an opportunity for the community to come together with a beautiful area the community can be proud of.”
While there had been a concern about the spray park sending the wrong message about water conservation, Acton says any water used will be recycled.
“We have to be responsible with our water and good stewards of the resource,” he said.
