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Downtown Association wants splash pad location reconsidered

Association members say the splash pad belongs in Clergue Park or possibly the Gateway area. Bellevue Park? No way!
SplashPadLocation
City Council voted recently to put a $575,000 splash pad in this location in Bellevue Park

The Downtown Association thinks City Council made a big mistake recently in picking Bellevue Park as the location of the city's first splash pad.

Members of the Downtown Association Board voted Tuesday night to ask city councillors to reconsider the decision.

As SooToday reported on Mar. 20, City Council approved Bellevue Park over Clergue Park after both the parks and recreation advisory committee and its splash pad subcommittee said a Bellevue splash pad would be cheaper to build, closer to other playground equipment, offering more parking.

Downtown Association members are upset City Council didn't consult them about the decision and didn't consider the city's own downtown strategic plan.

"There was almost no discussion on it," said association chair Bryan Hayes.

"The rationale behind their decision was generally financial," Hayes said. "They did not look at economic viability. They did not consider the downtown at all. They did not consider revitalization....They did not mention quality of life."

Downtown Association members want Clergue Park to be reconsidered, and possibly also the Gateway area near the OLG Casino Sault Ste. Marie.

Ward 1 councillor Paul Christian, Ward 2 Councillor Susan Myers and other members of the splash pad subcommittee paid a site visit to Bellevue Park last week, marking off the proposed venue with stake flags.

City staff are currently seeking donations and grant money for the project, approaching the Ontario Trillium Foundation, local service clubs, businesses and non-profit organizations. 

Cost of the project is estimated around $575,000, including water, electrical and sewer services, a building including washroom, change areas and mechanical room, splash pad (installation, lighting, landscaping, consulting fees and contingency. 

The Downtown Association is hoping to get a reconsideration motion on the agenda of the May 29 City Council meeting.

Most members of the association's board are expected to attend.

A motion for reconsideration must be moved by a councillor who voted with the prevailing side.

It must be seconded either by a member who voted on the prevailing side or was absent at the time of the original vote.


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David Helwig

About the Author: David Helwig

David Helwig's journalism career spans seven decades beginning in the 1960s. His work has been recognized with national and international awards.
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