By Juliet Kadzviti

Melfort moving forward with Spruce Haven development

Jun 23, 2016 | 10:00 AM

A project to expand a popular park is finally taking shape.

On June 13, Melfort city council approved the construction and financing plan for phase one of the Spruce Haven Park Recreation Area.

Phase one will cost the city an estimated $10.3 million over five years and will see the development of a skate park in 2017, washrooms and water stations in 2018 and a skating arena by 2021. Installation of water, sewer and temporary power will happen this year.

The project will be a huge financial commitment for the city Mayor Rick Lang said, explaining the money will be coming solely from the city.

“The plan at this present time is to phase it in through city internal borrowing,” he said.

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Lang said the project took shape after multiple residents requested a skating arena.

“It’s been 12 years now thinking about the fact that we should do it and when we do it, how do we do it. We’ve had this plan put together, that included a skateboard park. It wasn’t done flippantly,” he said.

Lang said the city aims to make sure the project does not become too expensive for the city and its residents.

“The reality is, from most people’s perspective, they can only afford so much and they are only willing to pay so much, so we are trying to do this with minimal impact on Melfort tax payers,” he said.

Teri Scaife, director of community services, said the project is a great way for the city to promote its brand Play Melfort. She expects phase one to happen smoothly.

“There should be minimal challenges and this is another opportunity to expand on our brand and encourage more participation from other demographics that aren’t necessarily in any type of sport,” she said.

jkadzviti@panow.com

On Twitter: @julietkadzviti