Destination Spray Park or Community Splash Deck

In late 2009,  the Cloverbar Neighbourhood Association and area residents were excited to learn that the Council of the day had approved the community splash deck concept in keeping with the walkable community and a greenspace in every neighbourhood theme. I supported the concept of revitalizing what we have – as opposed to building new; expanding upon existing proven facilities instead of launching into the multi million dollar projects. 

This meant a budget allocation for a local neighbourhood splash deck amenity adjacent to Clover Bar Ranch and Charlton Heights. I fully supported this notion of a small ten feature Splash Pad next to a moderate size playground with a new community garden. Limited parking and no washroom amenities seemed to be not huge barriers for this local neighbourhood attraction.

Since then, local residents have been concerned with traffic safety, lack of washrooms, and County administration's desire to promote the tiny Splash Pad as a regional attraction – owing to the closing of the Kinsmen Centre for renovations. 

Further resident input on outdoor aquatic opportunities has been collected as a part of developing the Aquatic Strategy. To date, residents surveyed are indicating that the majority prefer a much larger regional-sized spray park, with the associated support amenities such as bathrooms, parking, picnic tables and shaded areas.

Significant operational efficiencies can be realized if an outdoor amenity can be located immediately adjacent to an indoor recreation facility or building, with public input indicating that co-location with a large playground is also strongly preferred.

Further resident and user group feedback, as well as administrative expertise and Council input, is necessary. A large destination Spray Park needs to address:

- Aging neighbourhood spray decks
- Funding
- Innovative sustainable design
- Water conservation
- Parking

- Parks Master Plans

- Distance from population density

Make no mistake about this – our taxpayers need to think long and hard about just where Strathcona County is at right now. The latest administration report indicated that we are facing a 16 million dollar deficit. We cannot expect a multibillion dollar oil industry to open up in the Heartland for the next five years and provide our municipality with a bonus in tax revenue. Correspondingly local field sports are proposing a four million dollar plus new synthetic turf field. Residents seem to be saying: Give us a multimillion dollar water park.

Don’t get me wrong – I want the very best for our children. But I would also like to be able to live in this community and afford the taxes. I need to hear what this community wants before this is brought to Council for feedback in the fall. Please contact me at carr@strathcona.ab.ca.carr@strathcona.ab.ca