Fundraising goal for splash park closer to being met

The Digby Splash Park Society continues to move towards the fundraising homestretch of meeting its goal of $315,000 to build the inclusive and accessible facility. “We have currently raised $190,000 through fundraising, sponsorship and the local town and municipal support,” says Sharon MacAlpine, recreation director for the Digby Area Recreation Commission (DARC), who is working with the society of volunteers on the estimated $315,000 project.

The design for the park is confirmed with plans to build this summer or fall season, says MacAlpine. The splash park will be located within the Vaughn VanTassell Memorial Playground on Shreve Street and will provide opportunities for unstructured, inclusive and accessible play, says DARC.

An application has been made to the provincial government for a Recreation Facility Development Grant, which could cover up to one-third of the project cost. MacAlpine said she expects it will be May or June before they hear whether or not the application is successful.

Both the Town and Municipality of Digby have each contributed $30,000 towards the project.

Meanwhile, the Digby Splash Park Society is gearing up for some fundraisers in the next few months that they hope will take them over the finish line.

“Wagner Refrigeration Limited is sponsoring a chance to win a free Mitsubishi Mini Split Heat Pump installed. The ticket sales will begin later this month and run until the middle or end of June,” says MacAlpine.

Proceeds from the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign in May from both Digby locations will be going to the splash park.

The Wheelhouse Seafood and Pasta Restaurant is hosting a dinner event at the Mountain Gap in Smith's Cove in May, with all proceeds being donated to the splash park. Date TBA.

The Splash Park Committee plans to host a Family Fun Day at the Digby Arena in June.

“Our committee has been extraordinary in fundraising and has had tremendous community support in the activities to date,” says MacAlpine.

“We have participated in our local festivals: Lobster Bash, Scallop Days and the Wharf Rat Rally with a booth selling cotton candy, and an axe throwing booth. We have held a gigantic yard sale, a Christmas craft show and online auction, paint nights, bottle drives, Halloween and Christmas elementary-aged dances, Bouncy Castle Fun Day, BBQ with a local Smith Cove Fire Department and Digby Superstore," she says.

"We had a local artist create a calendar and the proceeds were donated to the splash park. Coastal Truck and Marine organized a fundraiser at their business, as well, Lazy Bear Brewery hosted an evening event donating proceeds."

There's no doubt that fundraising has been a big effort.

“We have requested funding from local foundations/organizations and have received support from the Digby Area Health Service Charitable Hospital Foundation and Digby Care 25, Digby Super Store, Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign, Win a Vacation with West Jet – Tickets for 2 flights anywhere West Jet Fly," MacAlpine adds. "We have extraordinary donations from Tony and Leanne Chute; Sam, Isabelle and Alex Thompson; Scotia Harvest Ltd., as well as many other businesses and individuals donating funds to the Town of Digby Splash Park Fund.”

The Digby Splash Park can be found on Facebook.

Last year the region saw the opening of another new splash park. Following a lengthy fundraising effort by a local committee of volunteers, a splash park was constructed on the Mariners Centre property in Yarmouth.