NORTH BATTLEFORD — Randy Patrick and Warren Williams attended the Living Sky School Division’s Feb. 15 meeting to request that the LSSD allow the Rotary Club to build one of two planned splash parks on the Connaught School property along 8th avenue.
“We were hoping to use the area that’s already being used, but a little more efficiently,” Patrick said in his delegation to the board as the Battlefords Rotary president.
Noting that the area has few amenities for children and is of lower socioeconomic status, the rotary club wants to bring an amenity to enjoy to an underserved area of North Battleford.
“I think it really serves people who could use some additional support, additional fun…” Patrick said.
Though it isn’t currently designed, the club anticipates it will take two to three years to raise enough money to begin construction before formally approaching the city with the proposal and requesting an additional $100,000 on top of the $200,000 they plan to raise.
With some planning, the rink, skating shack, and baseball court would likely remain. The club also hopes to have the area cleaned up, which may include heating and places for people to stay warm.
When asked about the possibility of a fence, Patrick added that splash parks don’t typically have fences because they aren’t considered dangerous.
The splash park would be open during the summer months, as the water is unheated, but a timer could be set so that the water stays off during school hours.
“It’s a really massive improvement to what’s available there … it’s not very intrusive," Patrick said.
"We’re dedicated volunteers. We really want to do something for the children in the community."
Ronna Pethick, LSSD board chair, thanked them both for coming, adding that the board would discuss and get back to them.
“We appreciate that you’ve decided you’d like to be at Connaught, and we’ll be in contact. Thank you so much,” Pethick added.
Two splash parks are being planned, one in Battleford and one on Connaught school property for a combined $300,000.
