Carman residents can expect construction on phase 1 of a splash pad to begin in the next few weeks.

Nicky Spencer, committee co-chair for the splash pad, says she is very excited that ground work can begin soon. The project was originally scheduled to begin next year but thanks to successful fundraising, it can get underway much earlier.

Splash Pad Committee member Tracy Veldman accepts a $1,100 cheque thanks to Marge Warkentin, owner of Nine Lives Fashions, and the store's Jewelry Donation Program. Submitted photo.

The total budget for the project is $400,000. The splash pad is expected to run around $350,000 and $50,000 has been set aside for landscaping, a change room/mechanical room, benches, electrical work, etc..

Spencer says the committee has already raised $300,000 and just needs another $100,000 to meet its goal.

Spencer said that more fundraising will be happening including a golf tournament, a co-op fuel event, and a paving stone fundraiser that allows companies and families to make their name or logo part of the splash pad concrete.  

She noted that the theme of the splash pad will be 'a community in bloom', with lots of colour and flowers.

The splash pad will be located in King's Park in Carman and Spencer hopes to have the facility open for the first hot day next spring.