Community voting has been off. Chase Kraynick's splash park in Canora is one step closer to becoming a realty. The park project has been selected as one of 30 finalists for funding from the Aviva Community Fund.
Surrounded by community support the Kraynick family wants to "Pay It Forward" by building a Splash Park to create a lasting memory in the small rural farming community of Canora as a reminder of how precious and short life is and that random acts of kindness and generosity towards a complete stranger without expecting anything in return can make a tremendous difference in someone's life. In 2011, the Canora Junior Elementary School took on the task of spreading the idea within the community that it only takes one person to make a difference. They taught their students the concept of "Paying it Forward" and handed out Pay it Forward cards to each students asking them to think about ways to use them. Chase was only six years old when he came home with his card and he was constantly thinking of ways he could make a difference. Whether it was shoveling the neighbor's driveway in the winter or opening doors for others, Chase's heart was so full of love and goodness to share.
Chase was taken from his family in a tragic farming accident on May 24, 2011. He was only six. The family's way of paying it forward in memory of Chase is to build a splash park in Canora. This splash park will be a place where friends and family of any age will be able to engage in healthy, barrier free fun while creating memories to last a lifetime.
This splash park will be comprised of a 3,400 sq ft concrete pad with 18 splash components themed to reflect all the things Chase loved (farming, sports and the great outdoors).
"We've received pledges of commitment from many individuals, tradespeople and organizations within our community. The Town of Canora is donating the land where the park will be built, the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of the park for an indefinite period of time, as well as a substantial financial contribution towards the project." Winning Aviva funding would make a world of difference to the completion of the park.
What's next? Now that the 30 Finalists have been chosen, a panel of judges will review thei ideas to determine who will win a share of the $1,000,000 Aviva Community Fund. Check back for the winners on January 29, 2013. Visit: avivacommunityfund.org
