Members of the Southampton Rotary Club presented Saugeen Shores Mayor Mike Smith with an early Christmas gift at the Saugeen Shores Council Chambers December 19. The gift contained a cheque for the outstanding balance on the cost of the Jubilee Park Accessible Splash Pad. Hub photo

In a final instalment presented December 19, the Southampton Rotary Club has fully paid off the cost of the Jubilee Park Accessible Splash Pad. At a ceremony in Saugeen Shores Council Chambers Rotary President Ed Braun presented the final instalment to Saugeen Shores Mayor Mike Smith.

“That's part of Rotary, having fun, and today's a good example," Smith said at the ceremony December 19. "These were ideas that came to Council and they were wanting some support and they got Council’s support but they went out into the community and made that happen," he added.

“This is such a great time of year to bring this gift to remind us of what we’re so fortunate about this community," Smith said.

In a December 18 Southampton Rotary Media release, Ed Braun, Club President said, “We are excited to confirm that after less than a year of active fundraising we are in a position to pay off the project cost.” He added, “We have been waiting for the final bill from the Town, which we received on December 11."

Cash received to date plus a sum from Rotary reserves made up the final amount. The Town had asked the Club to take the full risk of raising the funds and in return offered Rotary a 5 year loan for the project.

John Conlin, Past President said the Club could not have completed the splash pad project without a grant from the Federal Government as well as help from the Town of Saugeen Shores, community supporters, and local businesses.

“Now that we are debt free we are looking forward to working with the Town and the community on future projects,” said Sylvia Sheard, Club Community Services Chair, making mention of the proposed pool and recreation facility, Southampton’s library and town hall upgrades, as well as further enhancements to Jubilee Park.

The final cost of the Southampton Rotary’s splash pad project was around $200,000 with the Town assuming the long term operational and maintenance costs and funds raised included pledges payable over a 2 to 5 year period.

Upgrades were added over the course of the project including shaded benches, a refurbished picnic shelter, and additional water features. Further enhancements are expected to take place in 2018 including a second wave of recognition pavers. The pavers are being sold for $150, $250 and $500 each. Visit www.southamptonrotary.com/splashpad for details.

Southampton Rotary President Ed Braun (right) with Saugeen Shores Mayor Mike Smith as he opened a gift that read “Paid in Full 1 Splashpad.”