County to not support Hussar survey regarding potential splash park

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Wheatland County council has voted not to assist with distribution of the Village of Hussar’s survey to county residents. 

In a vote of 4-3 against, the county is poising not to support the idea for the development of a splash park in the village, citing concerns about both the development and maintenance costs.

“I understand the village wants to do this, but in actuality for them to be able to afford it, we just went through our own budget thing. There is no way they have the money to do this,” said Reeve Scott Klassen. “I realize that the village is asking us to do this, but (with) the discussions we had earlier, I don’t see it happening.”

The anticipated costs of the capital project as well as the maintenance costs are to be included in the survey, come time for its distribution. As reported to the county, maintenance is anticipated to be between $20,000 and $27,400 annually.

The village has posted their proposals for the potential splash park to their website. Included in these, it suggests an 800 to 1,000 square foot splash park would cost between $150,000 and $400,000 to complete. 

Additionally, a prefabricated shower building for one to two units would cost between $150,000 and $300,000 to see constructed. 

Regarding grant opportunities, several are included in the project proposal, which have the potential to cover the entirety of construction costs. This has not been guaranteed however, and does not cover ongoing maintenance.

“I think it would be appropriate that we’re doing this at the request of the Village of Hussar. They asked us to do the survey and that, for me, is the only reason that we are doing it,” said Coun. Glenn Koester, prior to the vote.

The Village of Hussar currently brings in an annual tax revenue from its residents and businesses of approximately $200,000, which was noted by Coun. Shannon Laprise in May when the project was first presented to the county.

Similar amenities, which are present in the towns of Crossfield and Olds, are estimated to have annual operating costs between $20,000 and $25,000, and $38,900, respectively. Both parks use recirculation systems akin to what is being proposed for Hussar. 

The Village of Hussar is currently undertaking a water and wastewater study and is evaluating whether sufficient capacity exists within local infrastructure to be able to support such a project.

Should it be allowed to continue, the village is targeting a completion date sometime in the summer of 2027 in order to be able to have it open for their centennial celebration the following year.