Dresden is ringing in 2020 with a splash.
The community has managed to raise $104,372 for its new splash pad, surpassing the 2019 goal of raising $100,000. Committee chair Megan Robinson said the total cost of the splash pad is expected to be around $200,000 and it should be open in June of 2020 at the Kinsmen Community Park. She added said the entire price tag has come down by about $100,000 because some businesses have donated their services.
Robinson said the community's generosity has been overwhelming.
"Definitely wasn't surprised. This community has stepped up right from the start, even the surrounding communities to get this splash pad. We're one of the last if not the last community to get a splash pad in Chatham-Kent," said Robinson.
Robinson said the goal was surpassed thanks to a big final push in the last 48 hours of the year and she thinks it's going to be a big hit with kids and kids at heart.
"It's right next door to our public school as well as our Best Start Daycare Centre. So, I really see obviously during the school months that being utilized in the warmer weather for them as well as the Best Start Centre being able to use that and CK Rec host their summer day camps out of that park and will be able to utilize it, let alone all the other kids," Robinson said.
Dustin Pumfrey of the Dresden Kinsmen Club said the new splash pad next to the pool is in a great location, will bring a lot of enjoyment to families, and has very low operational costs.
Robinson said there are still a couple of fundraising events to go. More information can be found on the Dresden Community Splash Pad Facebook page.
There is also a capital campaign underway for people who want their names on benches and bricks. Those interested in the capital campaign can email dresdensplashpad@gmail.com to find out more details.
Donations are also accepted at MacTavish Pharmacy in Dresden.