Residents here have raised over half of the $144,000 goal for a new community splash pad, but they are still seeking community support.
In 2014, Darlene Shaw, with help from Ruth Ann Leonard, formed a group to make the splash pad dream a reality.
By last month, the group had raised over $83,000 with donations from community members and businesses.
Shaw was concerned when she heard parents say they wanted to move because there was nothing for the kids to do in town.
“We have lots of Sports things in town for kids to do, we have the school park … but we don’t actually have anything for the kids to do during the summer during the day,” said Shaw.
She added a splash pad will be great for kids who have special needs and will have economic benefits to Grand Valley.
“If we keep the parents in town with the kids, then you have the stores being more profitable,” she said.
Shaw approached Tony DeJongh of ABC Recreation Ltd., who helped figure out what the group needed to raise for the park.
Shaw is hoping the splash pad can go ahead this fall, but she wants to make sure organizers have all of the funds before moving forward.
Last May, the Town of Grand Valley agreed to the potential location of Lions Park on River Street.
The municipality has also agreed to take ownership of the facility once it is completed.
A fundraiser is scheduled for May 7 at 9am.
The “It’s All About Kids” event at Grand Valley Public School is a free drop-in session for the community to find information on community groups for children, from pre-school to high school.
Proceeds will go toward the Door youth Centre, the Grand Valley skate park and the splash pad.
The splash pad group is also holding a massive garage sale on May 28, coinciding with the Grand Valley Duck Race. Visit facebook.com/gvspneeded for more information.
Anyone interested in donating to the group can find its go fund me page at gofundme.com/gvsplashpadneeded or donate directly to account number: 01722-033-501-790-0 at the RBC in Grand Valley.
