County, Hussar assessing viability of splash park development

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Wheatland County is discussing whether to assist the Village of Hussar with gauging the viability of, and overall interest in the potential development of a local splash park.

A request had been submitted to the county to assist in spreading the word and gathering engagement for a survey of local residents. 

“The Village of Hussar is planning several centennial projects in 2028, including a proposed splash park and campground upgrades, as well as the development of a grain elevator project in partnership with the Hussar Historical Society,” said Dave Rimes, speaking on behalf of community services. “These projects are intended to enhance local amenities and provide recreation and cultural benefits for both the village and county residents.”

Rimes added the county had been approached by the Village of Hussar to work with their CAO as a community engagement partner on a survey of residents in surrounding areas to gauge potential interest. 

The survey the county is being requested to participate in circulating is singularly gauging interest in the potential development of a splash park in Hussar. 

“I understand that Hussar is looking for ways to attract visitors and residents to the area by having amenities, but I think a splash park is too great of an investment in terms of the ongoing operating costs,” said Coun. Shannon Laprise. “They don’t know exactly, I think, what that cost will be, and I don’t think residents know that when they are completing a survey. They might have been given a range, or maybe they were not given anything, I do not know.”

As presented to Wheatland County, the Village of Hussar estimated annual operating costs for a splash park to be between $5,000 and $30,000 annually. Should a recirculation system be set up, costs are estimated to be between $5,000 and $10,000. 

Laprise added Hussar’s annual tax revenue from its residents and businesses currently sits at approximately $200,000, with much of that going towards full-time staffing.

“They noted that the Village of Empress is a comparable community with a splash park, but I note that Empress is currently undergoing a viability review, and so that is not a great comparable,” said Laprise. “We could send a survey to Wheatland County residents, but unless they understand the implications of it, I think they would be responding in a theoretical way without really understanding the cost implications.”

Council voted to direct administration to gather more information about the project from the village, as well as to accept the current report as information only. At this point, council has not voted whether to support participation with the survey.