A splash park for Blackburn Park is now in the budget thanks to a $46,000 donation from the Daybreak Rotary Club.
Club member Randall Bamford said the funds, raised in this year’s Rocktoberfest and spring Lobsterfest, represent the first payment in the club’s $100,000 commitment to constructing the park. He said another $20,000 has been raised in secure grants, and the club hopes to cover the remainder through next year’s events.
With the donation, council approved making the splash park part of the 2013 budget and financial plan.
City staff estimate the total cost of the park will be around $305,000.
Council also learned staff will be requesting benches and shade trees for the park’s playground area in the 2014 budget. Subsequently, council, while supportive of the endeavour, suggested it may take a couple of budget periods before the splash park is brought to fruition.