Image: Fort Frances town council agenda handout

The first purchase of equipment for the planned splash park in Fort Frances could be taken tonight.

Council is being asked to approve the purchase of a 3,000-square-foot splash pad that includes all the features, mounts, and piping.

Interim Chief Administrative Officer Travis Rob says they are in a position to get going.

“We have hit our minimum threshold of fundraising dollars to see this project through to fruition, so now is the time when we need to start ordering materials,” says Rob.

Council approved the design of the splash park late last year.

Since then, the committee has been fundraising while a $499,000 grant from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund is helping cover a majority of the construction costs.

“We want to be in a position where we’re ready to start construction of the splash pad mid-June, early July at the very latest, so that by August 1, we’re ready for a grand opening,” says Rob.

Council is also expected to discuss other components connected to the splash park.

This includes a contract for road improvements to Lillie Avenue.

The total cost is one-point-five million dollars.

Administration also recommends surplus funds from a provincial grant be used if additional funding is needed to install traffic lights at the corner of Lillie and Kings Highway.