Campaign nets $300,000 for splash park
Construction starting this spring, opening planned for summer
“This really truly is intergenerational,” said Linda Gallagher in describing a community effort over the past few months aimed at seeing a splash park built to serve Yarmouth area families.
“I’m not surprised in the amount of support, but to come together so quickly is awesome,” added the retired teacher and grandmother who chairs the splash park committee. The first deposit from fundraising efforts was made Aug. 18, 2021. As of Feb. 14, the committee had raised $317,000.
“I appreciate the committee. Some of them are young mothers with two and three kids and they’re making that commitment to come to meetings along with the older people,” she continued. “It’s really nice to see.”
Gallagher explained her initial involvement was simply attendance at a meeting organized by a different group to fund the project.
“That committee kind of fell apart, but I thought it was still a great idea, so let’s take it on,” she continued. “So, I called some people I knew had the same interest I did, and we formed a committee, a group of community folks who really wanted a splash park.”
“The municipalities gave a little bit of money, but this is purely community supporting community and getting the job done, and I can say in bold letters that I am so proud of this group and so thankful they exist,” the chairperson added. “The manner in which they did this was professional, it was thought out (and) it was respectful.”
Gallagher said committee members spent a long time looking at sites.
“We visited splash parks around the province trying to figure out what we didn’t know,” she explained. “We felt the Mariners Centre was the best location because of the accessibility and visibility, but it’s owned by the (local governments),” she noted. “We then started going to the three municipal units trying to explain what we wanted. It was a really great learning opportunity because we got asked questions we didn’t know the answer to.”
“And so we had to keep going back (to municipal government partners). I’m sure people were getting tired of us, but we were very committed to the project and passionate,” Gallagher continued.
“That took a long time to get all three on board. Not only did they say ‘yes’ about going to the Mariner’s Centre (and gave monetary contributions), they also agreed to operate it once it was finished.”
“We look at the time and now we go, ‘It was well worth it,’” Gallagher said.
“This project speaks clearly to the fact that the community values a splash park for the children because they’re putting their money there,” noted Town of Yarmouth Mayor Pam Mood.
“People have been extremely supportive, so we know it’s the right project for our community,” added Gallagher.
The committee has received funds from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the local municipalities, several local groups and businesses.
“Businesses and individuals have come on board, and we’ve held fundraising auctions, meals and sold tickets,” she explained. “We’ve worked hard, but the community has been extremely supportive.”
Mark Brophy, the town engineer has also volunteered to be project manager.
“This isn’t our expertise,” noted Gallagher. “In fundraising we are, but now that we’re getting into construction we’re thrilled to have him on board.”
The committee has applied for provincial government funding, which should bring the initiative to its financial goal.
“So, as soon as we hear from that we’d like to start construction late in the spring,” the chairperson said.
Notwithstanding unforeseen construction or supply chain delays, the facility will be operating this summer.
“We added some contingency things because we want to make sure we don’t come into anything that we weren’t prepared for,” Gallagher continued. “We still have some fundraising planned, including a paint night in March and some other events just to make sure. “
“We’ll be ready,” she said. And she has an added incentive.
“My grandson every day is asking, ‘Nana, when’s the skate park opening,’” she joked.