A very innovative and interesting development is being planned for Boyle
The Family Activity Enhancement Committee (FAEC) presented to Boyle village council last Wednesday its plan for a new four-phase project, which could prove to be a huge boost for not only those currently in the community, but also spur more families to make Boyle their home.
FAEC member Lindsay Stanton spoke to council to showcase what they would like to do for Boyle as well as make two requests – obtain a letter of support in order for them to begin the grant application process and a commitment for a piece of land for the project.
FAEC’s main focus is on the first two phases of the plan – a spray park and playground, which could cost as much as $650,000.
The group would need to fundraise half of that cost with the other half coming from matching grants.
“We are doing these two phases together to save costs,” Stanton said.
“What we are presenting is just a concept, we can change anything we want at this point. Our plan is to have elements that show what Boyle is all about, like the log mill, farming and berry festival.”
Phases three and four, which are slated to be at least two years away – would see a new skate park and an improved outdoor rink.
FAEC has already hired Park N Play of Edmonton, who have come up with the current design and will handle the construction and utility planning as well assist them in sourcing the grants they will need.
The space needed for the project is 190x154 feet and will consist of a poured rubber pad.
“We learned a few things from talking to the Town of Athabasca about their spray park,” she said.
“One thing they told us was to stay away from the concrete and make sure to have a buffer around the spray park plus make it as visible as we could, as they still have some problems with vandalism.”
The playground would see some unique equipment such as a tractor, barn, log climbers, slides and various age-appropriate equipment for children ranging from 18 months to 14 years.
Aside from the land, the group would also need a four-inch water line, power and storm sewer access for the spray park. They also asked the village to pay for the cost of the water to operate the spray park, estimated at about $5,000 annually.
“The water runs in a sequence and we can decided how long that lasts and how long it runs each day plus how long the season runs,” she explained.
She added Athabasca covers the cost of the water used at their spray park.
As for where they would like to see it located, Stanton said they looked at two sites – south of the present ball diamonds or along Highway 831 south of where the new municipal centre is slated to be built.
Stanton said the ball diamond area would need a larger parking lot along with another washroom and better access for visibility.
Mayor Bob Clark thanked the group for what he described “as a very aggressive plan,” but added the land along the highway they were looking at isn’t feasible as it would mean attempting to buy privately-owned land.
“However, we will work together on finding the land and commend you all for what looks like a very exciting project,” Clark said.
“We’ll help in any way that we can I’m sure.”
