Grey Highlands is directing staff to work with a committee before it can move forward with a splash pad project.
Council approved working with the Markdale Recreation Splash Pad Sub-Committee on drafting a memorandum of understanding during a meeting on May 1, after hearing from committee Chair Shannon Iadinardi about plans to improve the King Edward Park.
“On behalf of the committee, I am excited to present our proposal of a community gathering garden, complete with splash pad,” says Iadinardi. “Our vision includes permanent ping-pong and chess tables that residents can sign out from the library, beautiful benches, and memorial trees for shade, and a splash pad for all to enjoy.”
She adds creating a green space at the park will provide active and passive recreational opportunities and contribute to the community’ identity, saying King Edward Park is the perfect location.
“It offers a library, a playground, basketball court, and ball diamond, and is easily accessible to all Grey Highlands’ residents. For those living in Markdale, it is within walking distance and there is abundant parking surrounding the area,” says Iadinardi.
To move forward with the project, she says the committee is in need of a memorandum of understanding with the municipality.
The committee aims to raise $250,000 for the project, which Iadinardi says can be done through community fundraising events, applying for provincial and federal grants, and sponsorships with the municipality and other local businesses.
The committee estimates the project to cost $249,000 with in kind services.
Iadinardi requested council approve the project, work with the committee to draft a memorandum of understanding, and pledge a total of $100,000 over multiple budget years.
Council approved working with the committee of crafting a memorandum of understanding to get the project moving.
Coun. Nadia Dubyk says, “we are here to work with you, we just need to get through the details. Every great town has a great park system and great public gathering system and this will be Markdale’s gem of a place.”