By Adam Ophus

On Its Way

Rocky Spray Park fully approved

Jul 3, 2019 | 12:29 PM

After many years of deliberation the spray park for Rocky Mountain House has finally been approved by council, but not before much debate and even an ultimatum from the Rocky Spray Park Council.

Carie Liebig and Kara Harvey from the Rocky Spray Park Council attended Tuesday’s council meeting, stating, “If council isn’t prepared to have construction completed by fall 2019 the Rocky Spray Park Council is prepared to consider stepping away from this project and return all funds raised thus far.”

The group has raised over $432,000 with the majority of funding being obtained through corporate, municipal and community contributions. The Town of Rocky Mountain House and Clearwater County have each contributed $350,000 to the project.

Town Council began their deliberation on whether should continue waiting for a possible $250,000 grant from the province, or if they should split the spray park into two separate projects – one being the spray park and the other the washroom and change room.

“If we don’t go ahead with things there’s no guarantee that, in fact, there’s probably not a guarantee that we’d be getting the Edward’s Garage investment and maybe not even a contribution from Coop towards it,” noted Councillor Jason Alderson.

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Mayor Tammy Burke was concerned over what the park could end up costing the taxpayers.

“The cost overruns really alarm me,” she said. “We’re already going through our budgets with a fine tooth comb trying to find money to make sure we maintain our taxes. We have to be really sure about the scope of this project.”

The project was initially projected to cost around $900,000 but with the projects various additions the price jumped up to over $1.2 million.

“With the extra building and the field house it becomes an area that’s not only good for young families but for growing families and to have it seasonal to start with, I like it,” said Councillor Merrin Fraser

Although councillors and Mayor Burke were not able to come to a unanimous consensus, the motion to approve the spray park passed with a majority vote.

“We were thrilled to receive support from Council and hope to proceed without further delay,” said Liebig.