A spray park is something Kimberley parents have been requesting for many years. There was an active committee fundraising but it wasn’t able to get the project off the ground.
Now, however, the Kimberley Rotary Club has taken up the cause and will partner with the Spray Park Committee to build a park by 2015.
The Spray Park Committee presented their request for help at a Kimberley Rotary lunch together with a $7000 cheque as the first down payment.
The site chosen is right beside the Rotary playground and washrooms on Rotary Drive.
Rotary’s first action was to seek endorsements for the project from the City of Kimberley, Kimberley & District Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Kimberley. Rotary Park is a drawing point for kids and parents in Kimberley. The addition of a Spray Park requested by the community will greatly enhance the popularity of this gathering point for local families and visitors, Rotary members believe. Endorsement was unanimous.
The first major fundraiser for the spray park is the Rotary Lobsterfest, planned for June 21 at the Kimberley Conference Centre. This is Kimberley Rotary’s largest annual fundraiser.
Funds will be raised through live and silent auctions, 50/50 draws and raffles, while guests enjoy a dinner of lobster, flown in from Nova Scotia the occasion.
Rotarian Graham Mann says the response from area businesses has been nothing short of incredible and some amazing auction and raffle items are available because of that.
Raffles include: One KONA Mountain bike Lava Dome model .
Live auctions include:
Trevor Linden #16 Jersey signed by the Canuck President.
Kootenay Ice season tickets.
Kimberley Golf Club single 2014 season membership.
One full week at Northstar Mountain Village.
One full colour page ad in Kimberley Daily Bulletin.
Samples of silent auctions for:
Sports enthusiasts: six ski day-passes, entry tickets for Round the Mountain, Wasa Triathlon, Gran Fondo and Loop the Lake (Invermere).
Health needs include: teeth whitening; orthotics; first line therapy weight loss program; network Spina Analysis and Yoga.
Vacation Retreats: Kimberley Riverside Campground; Sandman Inn & Denny’s- Cranbrook; Bed & Breakfast with four golf passes – Spokane.
Events: 2014 JulyFest package; Kimberley Underground Mining Railway package.
Food buffs: Meal vouchers from seven of Kimberley’s favourite meal providers; gift certificates for wine and wine tour; Overwaitea Steak dinner package.
Home & Decor lovers: Fourteen gift certificates from area merchants with a total value of $2740 towards purchase of furniture, solariums, windows, interior and exterior ornaments.
Automotive & Heavy equipment needs: Three $1,000 vouchers towards purchase of Melody Motors vehicle; auto first aid kit and wine caddy; day use of 26’ all terrain lift.
There are still a few tickets available for Lobsterfest. They are available online at facebook.com/KimberleyRotaryClub or any Rotary member.
The Spray Park plan is taken from the original design completed by Kimberley Spray Park Society, Manufactured by WaterPlay Solutions Corp and supplied by RecTec Industries. Both companies have significant experience in both Playground and Spray Park design and construction throughout Canada and US.
We have also engaged Focus Corporation based in Cranbrook to lead the Project from the engineering side. Focus has great experience and has been involved in multiple projects for Spray Parks thoughout the Valley. The City of Kimberley has agreed to provide in-kind involvement in the site preparation and finishing, including infrastructure links and maintenance.