Citizens of Humboldt will be hoping for a hot summer to use the newly opened spray park.
The JCI Humboldt Spray Park, located in Water Ridge Park, officially opened on May 25.
The idea to build this park was brought to city council six years ago, said JCI member Larry Jorgenson, when someone had a "thought which turned into a dream which turned into a challenge."
At first, city council members did not know what a spray park was.
"When they learned what a spray park was, they all agreed that it was something that the community could benefit from," said Jorgenson.
Although council was interested in putting a spray park in the city, they were unsure of how to pay for it since they didn't want to burden taxpayers with it. That's where JCI Humboldt came in.
After seeing the group's success in the past with raising funds for the indoor pool and waterslide, various playground structures and many other projects, the City felt they were the organization for the job.
"We did not hesitate to take on the challenge," said Jorgenson.
Since taking on the project, support for the park has come from various individuals, organizations and businesses in the community, either through monetary donations or sponsorship for fundraising events. A group of seven-year-olds even donated money to the spray park instead of bringing gifts to Jorgenson's daughters' birthday party.
"These types of creative fundraising projects by our community are an excellent model for how future projects in our community can be funded," said Jorgenson.
Everyone is excited about the new spray park opening.
"(The City) acknowledges the excellent work of JCI Humboldt," said Malcolm Eaton, mayor of Humboldt during the opening ceremonies.
He said it will be a welcome addition to the city for generations to come and something the city is proud to have been a part of.
"I hope the whole community gets the opportunity to use it," said Eaton.
Jorgenson feels Water Ridge Park will be a destination for many families in the summer because of the spray park.
"Existing families, new families just moving here and families who are just visiting, will now have a place to go on hot summer days to relax and stay cool," said Jorgenson.
