Efforts to bring a kids spray park to Kimberley have not gone away, and in fact received a huge boost with the announcement of a $25,000 grant from the Kootenay Savings Credit Union Foundation.

The group began planning last February and have prepared a business plan. They have received support in principal from Kimberley City Council, though no promise of funding.

The business plan estimates costs at just over $200,000 for the project. Water conservation measures will be included in any final plan.

A final location has not been decided yet either. The planning group would prefer a Rotary Drive site, but the only suitable one is the JulyFest bocce area and that appears to be a non-starter. Other possible locations include either of the old outdoor pool locations.

Several smaller fundraising projects are also on the go including a raffle which will be drawn on January 1. Tickets for that are available at Black Bear books and the Bean Tree Café. The Sully Pub has donated some funds and the Kimberley Garden Club has promised the donation of shade trees.

To join the group or just keep up with the project see the group on Facebook "Build a Spray Park in Kimberley" or check out the website kimberleyspraypark.webs.com to view the business plan or sponsorship package or call group president Dawneen Robison at 250-427-2475.

In the New Year the group will be actively seeking sponsorship for the spray park.