When Virden Spray Park committee received news recently that they would receive a $200,000 grant there was rejoicing. It meant the project that was just a dream in 2015 could move forward.
Their Facebook post read, “The Virden Spray Park Committee is excited to announce that we are a recipient of the 2021-22 Building Sustainable Communities Program funding for up to $200,000!”
They express appreciation for this support from the province and to the businesses and volunteers in the community and say, “All of the volunteer hours have finally paid off!”
The committee began to research the project to provide a children’s water feature in town back in 2015. By 2016 fundraising had begun.
“Covid eliminated a lot of opportunities for fundraising,” said Tracy Landels for the committee. Their fundraisers have included an online 50/50 Raffle, online Chase the Ace with prize packages donated by local businesses and a Car Rally within the RM of Wallace-Woodworth.
Along with community fundraising, they sent out grant applications. The response from Building Sustainable Communities sent shock waves of happiness throughout the committee and the community.
With a $500,000 budget goal they are nearly there, having raised $480,000.
“We are currently in talks with the Town Council and preparing the Request for Proposal to go out. Once bids are received, decisions are made then we look forward to building in 2022 as long as everything goes well.”
In order to get an actual architectural plan in place, Landels says, “The RFP will go out. Then the companies that apply will present us with their ideas and plans.” By early fall the committee expects that process to be underway.
Government funds will be released as “certain stages of the project are completed.”
The committee is still accepting donations toward Virden Spray Park. For information, see www.facebook.com/virdenspraypark/
The Virden Spray Park committee includes, Whitney Wright – President, Alyssa Elliott - Vice President, Tracy Landels – Treasurer, Samantha Brisson – Secretary and board members Fion Penner, Candice Van Damme and Karen Trout
