Schreiber unveils new Splash Park

In July 2023, after many delays, the Splash Park in downtown Schreiber was officially unveiled. The project was part of a revitalization plan and was to include a downtown pavilion on the north side of Scotia street and a kids splash pad on the south side. It would be nearly 2 more  years until phase 1 would be completed. Just after the announcement that the funding had been approved for the project, the COVID 19 pandemic hit. This naturally lead to all projects coming to a halt and in this case, not even being started.

By the time it was deemed safe to resume working on the plan another problem reared its head. Costs for building materials had sky rocketed. Council had to revisit the completion dates and make a tough decision. With the current costs, they could only complete one phase of the project. Certainly the pavilion would have been a good choice as it was intended to function as a meeting place and entrance to the downtown core. After a few discussions, it was decided that the splash pad would be the better choice as it meant parents would have a venue to take their kids to during the summer. Also many of the components for the splash pad had been ordered and were readily available. The first shovel hit the ground in September of 2021 with the hope of getting the majority of the construction completed before the summer of 2022. Delays pushed the opening date back another year and it looked like the official opening would be delayed again.

In an interview with TBT News Mayor Kevin Mullins had hoped for a summer 2022 opening but by late August of that year it became evident that this was not going to happen. Work was finally completed on the main construction by that fall of 2022 but winter was just around the corner. In the spring of 2023 the site was inspected and some modifications had to be implemented. There was the almost forgotten item of obtaining the water quality certificate which could only be done once the final repairs were made.

In June 2023 the park was unofficially opened to the public. The water was flowing and word soon spread of the new attraction in Schreiber. The actual official date was penned for the Canada Day celebrations as there were many events planned for the day and having a grand opening ceremony seemed a nice and cost effective way of launching the new facility. 

Unlike some past years the weather was mostly good, if not a bit chilly at times. CAO Nathan Diaz opened the event and the ceremony kicked off with the singing of the national anthem. This was followed by a traditional blessing and ceremony song performed by Raymond Goodchild and Gilbert Martin from Pays Platt first nations. Mister Goodchild stressed the importance of our similarities and the value of working together to form partnerships followed by a water blessing. Mayor Mullins then thanked the people working on the project and the residents who supported the efforts to bring the park to fruition. 

The Canada Day celebrations featured a barbecue by the seniors centre, a bingo game, cake cutting and performances by the local band Curbside Cruisers. The second phase of the project, the downtown pavilion, is scheduled to start next year and should help to further enhance the appeal of the downtown core.