Rotary plans a ‘splash park’ for the community The proposed facility will be located near the playground where families already frequent.

With about half the money needed for a splash park already in hand, the Westville Rotary Club (Canada, RI District 7820) is prepared to break ground in May.

While they’re unsure if they’ll have it complete for the July 1 Canada day activities, Wendy Bourque, who is on the planning committee, said they’re aiming for then.

“July 1 is such a big day for us,” Bourque said of the Town of Westville, known for hosting an annual Canada Day parade, fireworks and other activities.

The proposed splash pad will include about 20 features including water cannons, rings and cattails. It will cost about $150,000. The Rotary club currently has about $60,000 cash as well as promises for in-kind work to offset some of the costs.

The plan is for the splash park to be located near the playground where families already frequent. It will have different sections for teens, families and toddlers so people of all ages can enjoy it. It will also be wheelchair accessible.

Bourque said the Town of Westville’s public works department has agreed to do some of the prep work. The town’s insurance will cover any liability associated with the park. Bourque said supervision won’t be necessary because the water in it will come only from the variety of sprinklers and immediately drain without collecting on the pad.

“We’re just so pleased that it’s going to be a reality,” she said.

She said they’re still not 100 per cent sure whether all the features will be installed at once or in two phases, but when the ground work is done, it will be set up in preparation so that features can be added as they’re able to afford them.

In the meantime, organisers have sent out letters to local businesses, Rotarians and prominent people in the community to ask for their support. Information was also included in the town’s latest newsletter.

“We’re getting some great response,” Bourque said. Some of those who have donated to the cause live in the valley or on Prince Edward Island, but have connections in the town.

She’s optimistic they will get what they need by the end of the year if not sooner.

On May 13 the Westville Social Committee is planning a concert, 7-9 pm in the gym of the civic building, with a free will offering taken for the park.

Last year the Westville Rotary had donated money to the Westville Social Club to purchase their sound equipment, so it’s nice to see them give back using the same equipment, Bourque said.

She hopes people throughout the area will show their support for the project.

“It’s for the whole county,” she said. “We’re doing this for everybody.”