The West Park Community Association (WPCA) has big plans to upgrade a major green space in its area, a project that is expected to occur this year for $372,700.
A community spray park, a concrete basketball court that can be converted into a skating rink, a playground expansion, an outdoor pavilion, irrigation enhancements, park benches, garbage bins, pathway connections, park signage and sponsor recognition are the main enhancements planned for a park near Meier Drive and West Park Boulevard.
With the project expected to cost $372,700, a total of 49 per cent — or $182,700 — is to come from community fundraising, sponsorship from service clubs, grants, and in-kind contributions. The remaining 51 per cent — or $190,000 — is expected to come from the parks dedication reserve that was established for West Park.
A breakdown of revenue sources includes:
- WPCA: $38,600 ($20,000 has been raised so far)
- Kinsmen Club of Moose Jaw: $100,000 ($10,000 given each year over 10 years in exchange for naming rights)
- Other service clubs: $10,000
- Kinettes’ accessibility grant: $10,000
- In-kind contributions from three community contractors (Blue Imp Recreational Products, Aztex Construction and Haukaas Manufacturing): $24,100
- City of Moose Jaw parks dedication reserve: $190,000
If any of these funds are not attained, city administration would take $372,700 from the land development fund in the parks dedication reserve to cover the shortfall.
The proposed project was presented to city council during its recent executive committee meeting. Council voted 6-1 on a recommendation to approve the project and the spending that goes with it; Coun. Brian Swanson was opposed.
The recommendation must be approved at a regular meeting to be official.
Council discussion
The West Park Community Association has put in plenty of hard work to acquire these funding sources, said Coun. Heather Eby. She thought that was great and this would be exciting for the neighbourhood.
While the WPCA has committed to the annual installation and maintenance of the skating rink, Eby wanted to see that commitment documented since volunteer boards can change.
The intention is to sign an agreement so there is something in writing, said Derek Blais, director of parks and recreation. City administration can bring back the document to council if desired.
This project sets up some unique precedents that are concerning, said Swanson.
His first concern was the basketball court would be poured with concrete instead of asphalt. Concrete is generally more expensive and would only last longer if more money is poured into the project. His second concern was council has to go against its purchasing policy since parts of the project are sourced from only one company.
Concrete is generally more expensive, acknowledged Blais. However, the association found a local company to pour the concrete for an inexpensive rate. Secondly, any items that don’t meet the purchasing policy would be brought to council for further discussion.
Swanson appreciated that residents wanted to enhance a park in their neighbourhood; other areas, such as East End and Moose Square, have done the same. However, he pointed out the municipality’s policy has always been that money must be in place first before work starts. He thought there was only $30,000 on hand for this project.
“As of now we have zero dollars, but the community association is holding onto its $20,000. Then they will contribute that to the grant funding,” said Blais.
Swanson also thought the Kinsmen’s commitment of $100,000 over 10 years would produce a shortfall of $18,000. Blais replied that would be covered by the drawdown of $372,700 from the parks dedication reserve.
The residents of West Park are creating a partnership with the municipality to address past development deficiencies, said Coun. Dawn Luhning. She thought that partnership should be praised.
“We are in the business of building a better community … ,” echoed Mayor Fraser Tolmie. “I think this is a positive way forward to get kids out and active.”
The next executive committee meeting is March 9.
