MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS TO SALMO PARK UNDER WAY
By Nelson Daily Staff
Columbia Basin Trust combined with Regional District of Central Kootenay, Western Financial and the Village of Salmo to provide several upgrades to the Knights of Pythias Park.
The upgrades come two-and-a-half years after the old structure was removed for safety reasons.
The playground — and several other park upgrades totalling $100,000 — has been made possible in part by $65,000 from Columbia Basin Trust. Other contributors include the RDCK, Western Financial and the Village of Salmo.
“The children of Salmo will once again have a community playground”, said Mayor Stephen White.
“Thanks to the dedication and cooperation of residents, Council members, and our Chief Administrative Officer who came together to secure funding that will allow this community vision to become a reality. The new playground would not have been possible without the support of the Columbia Basin Trust.”
Knights of Pythias Park is the main park in the Village of Salmo and the heart of community activity, special events, sports and outdoor gatherings.
The planned improvements will substantially upgrade the facilities, amenities and grounds of the park to meet the needs of the community, residents and visitors of all ages.
Specific improvements include the installation of a new playground, maintenance and upgrades to the ball fields and dugouts, sand and waterlines to the campsites, concession stand design and the preparation of a Master Plan for the park.
“This project is a great example of teamwork,” said Kelvin Saldern, Community Liaison, Columbia Basin Trust.
“(More than) 50 concerned community members came together to form a parks working group, which then worked with the local chamber of commerce and the Village. Even the children got directly involved by voting on which playground design they prefer.”
Upgrades should be complete in the Fall of this year.
