The committee, which works to enhance recreational opportunities in the towns that make up Humber Arm South — Halfway Point, Benoit’s Cove, John’s Beach and Frenchman’s Cove — is installing a splash pad at the playground on Hillview Road.
Marie O’Keefe-Gillard is the president of the committee.
She said the idea of installing a splash pad came up one evening while the committee was thinking about different things it could bring to the community.
The first thought was it would be a wonderful addition to the town’s playground.
The second thought, O’Keefe-Gillard said, was a little less enthusiastic.
“We really thought it was kind of way out there. We didn’t think it would actually happen.”
But the group that has put in an outdoor skating rink and recently purchased a large inflatable waterslide wasn’t daunted.
As they looked into it, the thought changed.
“This could be doable,” said O’Keefe-Gillard.
So they set about fundraising — ticket sales and bingos — to come up with the more than $30,000 that was needed.
“We live in a great town and everybody here is very supportive of our fundraising efforts and so we just like to volunteer and give back to the community,” said O’Keefe-Gillard. “Everybody kind of works together.”
And that’s exactly what’s been happening as installation of the splash pad continues.
O’Keefe-Gillard said the committee has received lots of help from the town, with workers doing some of the work and Coun. Glenn Savard overseeing the project. Other community members have also been volunteering their time to get the splash pad ready.
The splash pad features include an umbrella that water will pour down from, a water-squirting frog and a water geyser. Directional flow sprays will also come up from the concrete.
O’Keefe-Gillard said excitement is growing in the community for the splash pad to open and she’s even had people from Corner Brook say they will bring their kids down.
“And that’s wonderful. We would welcome everybody from everywhere.”
The splash pad should be ready for the start of BayFest next Friday.
As for what the committee will tackle next, O’Keefe-Gillard said, “I’m sure when we meet again after BayFest we’ll come up with something else.”
[email protected]
Twitter: WS_DianeCrocker
