County resident provides first wave of support for Splash Pad
Administrator | Mar 18, 2016 | Comments 6
Picton’s Splash Pad Committee has received a wave of support from the County’s Michael Hymus, business owner and entrepreneur.
At a meeting held at Benson Hall recently, Hymus handed the first $33,000 of a $100,000 commitment and if all goes well, another equal contribution.
“This is such an amazing and generous donation,” said Susan Quaiff, Splash Pad committee co-chair. “After over two years of planning, organizing and meeting all of county council’s requirements and finally getting their approval we, I, can’t thank you enough”
This first contribution represents a third of his commitment with a challenge to the community and the committee to match his donation. Once that happens, he will write another cheque for the next third. He has also committed to donating $100,000 to help offset the operating costs to the tune of $10,000 per year for the first 10 years. Hymus’s total contribution would then amount to $200,000.
Hymus recently bought the former Quinte Meats property in Wellington and built an outdoor skating rink to honour his father (David), in a way that the community could enjoy free of charge.
“I grew up here. Prince Edward County is my home. I’ve been really fortunate in my business life so I just want to give something back to my community, something everyone can enjoy and be proud of,” said Hymus.
“The challenge now is for Picton Splash Pad organizers to fire up the community and start raising funds so the splash pad can become a reality sooner rather than later,” said Phil St. Jean, committee co-chair. “Now it’s time for all splash pad supporters to help raise the local funds needed to match Michael’s generous contribution and help match the grant application requirements for community support, so the splash pad can be built.”
He noted fundraising plans are coming together. Quaiff’s sons Ben and Brad, with the help of Hymus’s friends, are organizing The David Hymus Memorial Golf Tournament for Friday June 3rd at Picton Golf & Country Club, with all proceeds going to the splash pad.
Ben Quaiff will be hosting a fundraiser showing of his recently released documentary “Move for Inclusion” at The Regent Theatre.
Members of the committee are also busy co-ordinating a yard sale weekend to raise funds and awareness and are putting finishing touches on a sponsorship package featuring all the ways people can contribute to the goal of $250,000.
Sponsorship levels are to include such things as bumper-stickers, engraved walkway stones, park benches, bicycle racks, sun shelters and trees and names engraved on splash pad fixtures.
Filed Under: Local News
Brava to Mr. Hymus.
So the FIRST $10,000 per year toward maintenance. Thank you. After that the thing must/should shut down each year, not to costing taxpayers and to be self-supporting. Besides at the end of it all $200,000 is a big chomp of change.
I agree about kids must learn to swim so they can save their own lives. This is an investment in the future of the county. There was such a program in place about 7 yrs. ago, hmm?
In a county surrounded by water with one of the most fantastic beaches in Ontario, why do we need it? It’s a wonderful and very generous gesture but can we afford the long term maintenance? Nothing like making a big splash but what is this going to cost in the end?
Has costing for taxpayers been defined? Crucial to the proposal. I know we can’t afford to splash in our own backyards any longer, so who is paying long term for this entertainment?
What wonderful gift to the community and a priceless investment in the kids that will use it. The commitment to provide ten years of care and maintainance is a win win for everyone. Thank you.
Sorry Fran, although the donation is more than generous and admirable I do not support it. We have far too many more pressing issues to address prior to considering frills. We have young families that cannot pay their water & wastewater bill yet we propose that they go and play in the water! We are surrounded by water in this County. I would prefer to donate to the youth learning life skills such as swimming as opposed to splashing. Swimming is healthy and is a life support skill. Splashing is an expensive treat that quite frankly this municipality is not presently in a position to afford.
What a wonderful gift Michael Hymus has given to the children of this community with his very generous donation.
MICHAEL has been very clear in his message in that he wants to give back to his community, something everyone can enjoy and be proud of.
Kudos also to the Splash Pad committee for spending two years planning , organizing and meeting all of County Council’s requirements.
It is hoped that the community will support their fundraising efforts.