Soggy ground is broken at the site of the Port Elgin Lions Club Splash Pad on May 2, 2017. (Photo by Jordan MacKinnon)Soggy ground is broken at the site of the Port Elgin Lions Club Splash Pad on May 2, 2017. (Photo by Jordan MacKinnon)
Midwestern

Splash Pad Sod Turned In Port Elgin

It was an appropriate kick-off to officially break ground on Port Elgin's new splash pad.

About 30 people braved wet and rainy conditions to put the first shovel in the soggy ground to begin construction of the fully-accessible splash pad at Port Elgin's North Shore Park.

The $360,000 project has been the source of controversy over its location at Port Elgin's waterfront, but fundraising committee member Alanna Davidson says they never considered backing down.

"We were so excited and we knew there was tremendous support in the community of Saugeen Shores, that no matter what happened, we were going to be able to show our children and the rest of the community that when people work together, through municipalities, corporations, businesses and local volunteers, you can make anything happen," says Davidson.

Davidson says they have raised almost 90% of their fundraising goal, adding the splash pad will be named after the Port Elgin and District Lions Club, who donated $100,000 to the project.

Saugeen Shores Mayor Mike Smith says the committee should be proud of their efforts after taking an idea to help the community and turning it into reality, despite the opposition.

"They persevered through all of that and now I think they should be pretty proud today, because they have a lot of support in the community," says Smith.

He says construction activities are slated to begin later this month, pointing out the construction phase will only take a few weeks to complete, with opening ceremonies scheduled for June 29 to kick off Canada's 150th birthday weekend.

A second splash pad in Saugeen Shores will be constructed in Southampton later this summer.

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