The new library levy, handicapped parking at Broda Sportsplex and recreation enhancements which may result in a “splash park” were among items to concern town council at its regular meeting of April 11.
Council approved the 2017 levy requested by Parkland Regional Library which represents an increase of 60 cents per capita over the 2016 levy. The levy was consequently raised from $14.64 to $15.24 per capita. In total council is paying the library $27,813 in 2017, up from $26,718 in 2016.
The total amount being levied for 2017 may be altered with the results of the 2016 census, said Laura Lomenda, town administrator.
Council accepted a recommendation to designate two parking spots for handicapped persons immediately outside the main doors of Broda Sportsplex.
A request from Ken and Norma Betz to purchase 47 Banks Crescent and 45 Banks Crescent and have the two properties consolidated into a single parcel was approved.
A donation request from Parkland Amateur Radio Club for $100 was approved.
After speaking with Kev Sumner, the recreation director, council approved a recommendation to create a “splash park” planning committee to plan and co-ordinate fundraising for such a facility in Kamsack.
“We’re looking for feedback from the community,” Sumner said following the meeting. There are many ideas out there regarding what might be needed or wanted at the sportsground or elsewhere in the community.
The recreation department is always encouraging increased use of the sportsground, he said. Minor ball is starting and there is a senior slo-pitch team that uses the diamonds but are there other groups that wish to form teams?
There has been some interest in creating a “splash” or “spray” park in the vicinity of the pool, yet when the current pool was constructed, only the first of a multi-phased project was completed. Maybe the interest is in devoting any available funding in completing the phase that would have a shallow walk-in to the pool.
With the Kamsack walking trail to go through the sportsground, maybe enhancements like additional trees and benches, a barbecue pit and picnic tables would be favoured, he said. Others have suggested that a large-screen television placed at the sheltered beer garden area might encourage groups to watch and enjoy various sporting events or outdoor movies.
“Maybe the community would favour the installation of a hot tub or a larger diving board at the pool, or increased pool hours.
“We have the enthusiasm, but we want feedback from the community,” Sumner said, explaining that he hopes to have a committee of interested residents formed to study and undertake such developments.
Sumner presented council with a review of various funding sources and deadlines for applications for those funds and outlined a scheme that had been adopted at Foam Lake where a water park was developed after families were asked for donations of $100 each and “raindrops” containing families’ names were permanently added to a wall at the new facility.
Over $1.4 million was raised for that park with only $74,000 coming from grants, he said.
Sumner encourages persons wishing to discuss the recreation facilities in the community, or those who may wish to participate in the committee he hopes to form, to contact him at the recreation office.
