A local group of parents is moving forward with plans for a splash park at the site of the old Farwell Park wading pool.
“I think people are excited about it,” said Amanda Geary-Hathorn, the defacto leader of the group. “Definitely since the wading pool stopped operation, it’s been a hot topic for parents in Revelstoke. People remember that park as a water play zone and would like to see it used in a similar fashion.”
The group has been discussing ideas on the Revy Splash Park Facebook group and last week Geary-Hathorn made a presentation to the City of Revelstoke’s Parks, Recreation & Culture Committee.
There, she presented plans for the group’s dream plans of a park with 13 features that would cater to ages 0–9, and possibly older.
The concept so far was developed by Kelowna company Waterplay Solutions. The proposed park would include a water cannon, water buckets and a toddler area, all within the existing wading pool.
“I think the two councillors were pretty excited about the possibility. I think we’re going to be progressing forward once we get further details from the company I’m working with.”
The Farwell wading pool was closed in June 2013 after Interior Health determined it did not meet provincial pool regulations that were adopted the previous year.
Geary-Hathorn said the splash park would cost $200,000 to $300,000 to install. If the city gives approval for the park, a society would be formed to raise money for the splash park. She said the parks committee asked for other design options to see if the cost could be brought down.
“Once a society is formed, we can really promote it to the community and get more input,” she said. “They’re the ones who are going to be primarily involved with proposing to city council.”
The goal is to get approval this year, fundraise next year, and install the wave park in 2017.
