Parrott Foundation donation a big drop in the Splash Pad project fundraising bucket

Picton Splash Pad committee members Phil St. Jean, Susan Quaiff, Scott Wentworth and Kevin Gale at the project fundraising thermometer at the Picton Fairgrounds having just painted in the updated funds raised to $206,000, thanks to a $75,000 donation from the Parrott Foundation.

The John and Bernice Parrott Foundation made a big splash in the fundraising work for the Picton Splash Pad project with the presentation, Tuesday, of $75,000.

Splash Pad Committee Chairperson Susan Quaiff is thrilled the donation takes the project down to a $44,000 fundraising goal the committee hopes to achieve by April 1, 2017.

“This gets us that much closer to our $250,000 goal,” said Quaiff. “We still have a couple of fundraisers in the works and we’re canvassing some of the service clubs and other organizations, so we think we’ll get there soon.”

She and committee members Scott Wentworth, Kevin Gale and Phil St. Jean updated the fundraising thermometer and showed plans for the facility they hope to launch officially on Canada’s 150th birthday July 1, 2017.

The nautical-themed splash park is to be located near the skateboard park, featuring play areas for all ages and including a sea serpent that sprays water on a sail boat, water cannons, a tunnel and aqua dome.

“It is essential to have this in a location that many people can get to without driving,” said Wentworth. “We have wonderful venues here in Prince Edward County, but trying to get somewhere like the Sandbanks can be a real challenge for some families with young children. The County is really high in amenities, but not activities.”

While Quaiff first imagined the project in 2002, it was approved by council in 2014 and fundraising began last year.

“We need it at the skate park. If you were there last summer you were sweating. We were there with the grandkids and it was hot. The splash pad will be perfect for cooling off.”

Quaiff is also hoping it will increase the amount of outdoor activity for children.

“Electronics play a huge role in what kids are doing today,” she said. “Statistics Canada shows that only nine per cent of children between the ages of five and 17 are getting the recommended 60 minute a day benchmark for physical activity. This will get them out. There’s nothing like it.”

St. Jean said sponsorship opportunities include everything from a Gold Sponsor ($20,000) for a name and logo on the park sign, to engraved plaques on the sun shelter, bench, bicycle rack, walkway stones (30 to $50) and on the fixtures.

Keep in touch with fundraising events and plans on the Picton Splash Pad Facebook page.