The future of Kitimat’s spray park is taking shape after a community survey generated a wealth of feedback on its design and features. The survey, which followed council’s approval of the project's feasibility study in September, received 501 responses, providing detailed insights into public preferences and priorities.
At the Dec.16 council meeting, Councillor Mario Feldhoff was "blown away" at the level of engagement. “I think when we get into the budget, we can get into this more, but there are a lot of good ideas here,” he said.
The survey results show Ocean Adventures as the most popular of four choices for a theme, gathering 221 votes, or 40 per cent of the total, followed by Forest Journeys with 165 votes.
Another key focus of the survey was the future of the district’s two wading pools, built in the 1960s, at Chilko Park and Heron Park. Council asked residents whether to refurbish the pools in light of the spray park’s more dynamic offerings. The response was decisive, with 82 per cent of participants supporting upgrades to bring the pools up to modern standards.
The survey also addressed priorities for the Lions Park playground, which could be affected by the spray park’s construction. Swings, climbing frames, and slides emerged as clear favourites over other features like spinners and monkey bars.
On all three proposals, residents provided 28 pages of detailed comments and diverse opinions. Suggestions included the need for shaded areas, accessible water play features, restrooms, expanded parking and specific design concepts for toys and play structures. Many also elaborated on their levels of support or opposition to the project, offering insights into budget priorities and practical considerations such as maintenance and long-term usability.
The spray park project is estimated to cost between $1.5 million and $1.9 million, with operational expenses projected at $13,000 to $18,000 annually. The design will require approximately 40,000 litres of water daily.
Initiated after a community petition in December 2022, the spray park is slated for completion by late 2025. The timeline includes one month for public consultation, six months for design development, and five months for construction. Council plans to incorporate the survey feedback into the final design to ensure the spray park aligns with community priorities while maintaining cost efficiency.
