Representatives of three communities came together in support of one at the Splendermous Golf Tournament.
The inaugural event, held at Hyde Mountain Golf Course on Friday morning, Aug. 11, saw the Splatsin, the City of Enderby and the District of Sicamous unite under the Splendermous banner to raise money for new multi-use public recreation facilities in Sicamous.
Mayor Terry Rysz said the district received $50,000 in grant money to update the existing tennis court near Eagle River Secondary.
“And then we (council) started talking about it and thought, well, if we can raise more money, we might be able to put together something more palatable for the whole community,” said Rysz.
Council’s attention then turned to Finlayson Park, and the idea of adding more recreational opportunities in space available there.
A district handout from the golf tournament states the vision is to build a multi-use, multi-generational outdoor recreation facility that includes a tennis court, two pickleball courts an outdoor hockey rink.
Rysz said the district is hoping to raise another $200,000 for the facilities.
Asked if the district will seek financial support from the Columbia Shuswap Regional District, Rysz said no, that the concept is still in preliminary stages.
“We have a purpose and we have a vision and then, at a later date, if we feel we need to get some support from the CSRD, we’ll certainly be going to the table with that as well,” said Rysz.
The mayor suggested that if the district can raise enough money, it may look at building an indoor facility.
Asked if it was usual for local governments to fundraiser for infrastructure, Rysz said he didn’t know.
“I think for us, the more money we can raise on an alternative basis, rather than having to go to the taxpayer and say we want you to fork out more, I mean, it just shows incentive… and it could be a very good project,” said Rysz.
Proceeds from the next event under the Splendermous banner will go towards either the Splatsin or the City of Enderby.
