The Wilmot Splash Pad project got a big financial boost on Saturday morning.
A cheque for $130,000 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation was presented to the Township of Wilmot to help build a splash pad at the Wilmot Recreation Complex.
The drive for a free and accessible community splash pad began in 2012. Angie Hallman petitioned the government seeking their support. In the two years that followed, Hallman and the community worked together to raise the $334,000 needed to start construction.
Last summer the “Bring a Splash Pad to Wilmot Township” campaign was selected as one of the top ten community-driven projects by TSN’s Kraft Celebration Tour. They also won $25,000 towards their goal.
The Township of Wilmot is contributing $100,000 for the splash pad and another $27,500 will come from the New Hamburg Optimist Club.
“We rallied and we did it,” said Hallman. “I’m at a loss for words because I’m just so excited that this is our funding. We’re going to do it!”
Mayor Les Armstrong says the next step will be to choose a designer and a team to build the splash pad. Construction will begin by the end of the summer.
The splash pad is expected to open in Spring 2015.
