A once popular attraction in Enderby could be brought back to life.
On Monday, the Enderby and District Services Commission discussed the prospect of reopening the Barnes Park spray park, which has been closed since 2012.
“It’s an issue for the public,” said director Brad Case.
The spray park was closed because of poor conditions, and the risk to children if they slipped on the slick surface or fell offthe water features. The Interior Health Authority also wanted the spray park connected to a potable drinking water source.
Denis Delisle, EDSC chairperson, admits the ongoing closure is unacceptable.
“We’re serious and we want to get things done. The community really wants this,” he said.
Redevelopment of the existing site would be done in a phased approach.
The EDSC currently has about $235,000 in reserves and residents have raised about $17,000 and those funds would gotowards a new pad and features.
“It would meet all of the health and safety issues,” said Delisle.
But there would still be a shortfall as the total project cost is about $320,000. Other sources of money would be consideredas well as fundraising.
“We would put in more features as the money becomes available,” said Case.
It’s possible that a tender for initial enhancements could proceed this spring.