Accepting on behalf of the Port Elgin Lion’s Club Splashpad project, Amy Shute and Alanna Davidson, members of the Port Elgin Splashpad Committee; Jessica Linthorne, Recreation Programs Supervisor, Town of Saugeen Shores; Donny Latsch, Vice President of the Port Elgin & District Lion’s Club. Photo submitted

On October 27 the Community Foundation Grey Bruce held their annual Fall Granting Reception at the Best Western Inn on the Bay in Owen Sound. The Foundation distributed over $168,000 in grants to 35 regional and local organizations, charities and not-for-profit groups. Among them was Port Elgin Lion’s Club Splashpad project. A total of $15,000 from the Foundation’s Community Capital Granting Stream will be used to make accessibility improvements at the onsite washroom facilities, ensuring that the Splash Pad and supporting facilities will be barrier free for all recreational users.

In June Saugeen Shores Council approved in principle the recommendation to build the Port Elgin Lion’s Club Splashpad in North Shore Park while endorsing the community-based fundraising campaign, which has been underway throughout 2016.

Amy Shute, member of the Port Elgin Splashpad Committee said, “With the support of the Community Foundation Grey Bruce the Port Elgin Lion’s Club Splashpad is one step closer to providing an admission and barrier free form of recreation for all children and families in Saugeen Shores. The capital grant they provided to this initiative will ensure the onsite washroom facilities are fully accessible to all users.” Shute added that CFGB is “outstanding” and should be “highly commended for the level of regional and local investment” to projects in Grey and Bruce counties.

Alongside the CFGB grant, the committee is continuing their fundraising campaign and sponsorship program, through which businesses, individuals, families and organizations can choose from a variety of donor options including engraved bricks, stepping stones, dedication benches and landscaping features. Naming rights to one of the 16 interactive water features is also available.

Donations over $20 are eligible for a charitable tax receipt from the Town of Saugeen Shores. Donations can be made through the project’s gofundme page[https://www.gofundme.com/2k8h2y3p] or sponsorship forms can be picked up from the Town of Saugeen Shores Municipal Office, 600 Tomlinson Drive in Port Elgin.

To date the committee has secured over $240,000 of the $362,000 needed for the project through donations, pledges, grant applications, events and fundraising efforts.

Dave Waddington of the Community Foundation Grey Bruce presented a $15,000 cheque towards the Port Elgin Lion’s Club Splashpad project on Thursday, October 27 in Owen Sound. Photo submitted