By Adam Ophus

$100,000 in limbo

Major sponsorship for Rocky spray park in doubt over features

Jan 17, 2020 | 3:29 PM

The spray park project in Rocky Mountain House has yet hit yet another snag.

The project, which is slated to be done later this year, has grown from its original plan of being just a spray park to the possibility including a washroom, rubberized flooring, heated water and now, the call for an added dry park nearby.

One of the project’s major sponsors, Edwards Garage, recently discussed with the Town CAO Dean Krause and Director of Recreation Wes Amendt that the $100,000 they offered was based on the park having heated water. The company says they would now also like a dry park nearby, as well.

“He (Brent Kennedy with Edwards Garage) came to the meeting essentially stating that unless you also have a dry playground, the 100k sponsorship would be pulled,” Amendt said, relaying the information to town council during their Tuesday meeting.

Town officials were also told the playground would also need to have rubberized flooring, which for even a small park could cost taxpayers an additional $150,000.

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Mayor Tammy Burke expressed that a dry park was never a part of the project’s scope.

“What’s frustrating is that every time there’s a change, the project gets held up,” lamented Councillor Merrin Fraser.

Council has held a plethora of meetings regarding the park since its conception and it was evident during Tuesday’s meeting that members were getting frustrated.

“Maybe it’s time to go back to the original plan and just do a spray park,” said Councillor Jason Alderson.

“It’s like the tail wagging the dog, getting back to the original plan is also where my heads at,” Councillor Randy Brown mentioned, agreeing with Alderson.

“The original agreement was for the heated water, and a rubber flooring. I feel like we’re being held hostage, my answer is no,” stated Councillor Len Phillips.

Briefly mentioned during Tuesday’s council meeting was the possibility of the park being postponed, but Burke was quick to comment that the spray park will go ahead this year, but with no more add-ons.

Council had decided during an earlier meeting that the possibility of a change room would be part of a new and separate project, and that an added dry park could be as well, but would not be not be a part of the current spray park project.

The Town of Rocky Mountain House is currently deliberating what to do in regards to the possible loss of funding, they’ve have decided to send the plans to engineering and see what options they’ll have moving forward.

NOTE: Brent Kennedy could not be reached for comment.