Many attended the official grand opening of the Sparwood Water Spray Park. Several speakers addressed the crowd and spoke of what a binding, community driven project the Water Spray Park has been.
Bob Burrett, Sparwood Futures Society President opened the ceremonies and explained how the dream became a reality. “Over the years the idea of building a spray park was tossed around a number of times by various people and organizations. In 2008 the Sparwood Lions Club committed to pursuing the project and began fundraising. In February 2009 the Sparwood Futures Society representatives held a public meeting to form a Spray Park Committee and a plan was put into place. The goal was to raise $300 000 to build a park of substantial size. Fundraising began in earnest,” said Burrett. With the commitment of many individuals, businesses and organizations the goal was reached and construction of the water park began. At the end of June, final touches were made, sod was laid and the water park was ready for its grand opening.
“When this began, I was Mayor.” says Dave Wilks, MP Kootenay -Columbia. “It is really great to see this project complete and that there are kids immune to freezing,” he said with a chuckle. “A big thanks goes out to the Sparwood Futures Society for all of their hard work, now, it is time to begin work on their next project,” he said. “This water park is a true asset to Sparwood,” says Mayor Lois Halko. “Thanks to the Sparwood Futures Society and all of the committed individuals, businesses and organizations who made this all possible,” she said.
A special guest was in attendance and was chosen to be the one to cut the ribbon at the grand opening ceremonies. Eleven year old Sydney Nelson gave up her gifts on her 10th birthday and asked her friends and family for money to donate to the water park. Sydney made her birthday donation of over two hundred dollars and waited patiently for the water park to be complete. The Nelson family also has a deep rooted history with the Water Park as dad Duane Nelson was one of the very first people to go forward to Council to propose the idea of a water park. ” We are very proud of Sydney, she is amazing, generous, and kind,” says mom Gaylene.
The crowd cheered as the ribbon was cut and hot dogs, pop and chips were served throughout the afternoon courtesy of Bears Paw Contracting.
Sunny summer days have seen the Water Park packed with giggling, smiling kids, proving that great things can be accomplished when a community pulls together.
