Enhancements at the outdoor recreation area in the West Park sub-division could be coming soon.

During an executive committee meeting on Monday night, a motion was passed 6-1 to bring the project forward to city council at an upcoming meeting. The project would be a partnership between the city and the West Park Community Association.

“I see this as the area of the city and the residents creating a partnership with the city to try and fix the wrongs that have been created out there and to make a community aspect for them in the area that they are living in. I commend them for doing the work,” said Coun. Dawn Luhning.

The total cost of the project is slated at $372,700. The proposed funding would see $38,600 coming from community fundraisers, $100,000 from the Kinsmen Club of Moose Jaw for naming rights, $10,000 from other service clubs, $10,000 from the Kinettes Accessibility Grant, $24,100 in in-kind contributions and $190,000 from the city through the Parks Dedication Reserve established for West Park.

The enhancements would include a spray park, playground expansion, an outdoor pavilion, irrigation enhancements, new park benches, pathway connections and new park signage.

An outdoor basketball court that can be converted into a skating rink is also expected to be built. The West Park Community Association has indicated to the Department of Parks and Recreation that they would install and maintain the outdoor rink with no resources from the city other than water and lighting.

Coun. Crystal Froese recognized all of the hard work the community association and the Department of Parks and Recreation have put into the project.

“I think this is a great project and kudos to the community association for raising all the money and organizing all of this. It’s going to be really exciting for this neighbourhood,” she said.

Mayor Fraser Tolmie added that he was in favour of the project because it’s not only good for the city, but it also encourages kids to get outside and be active.

“It’s when an opportunity like this comes forward I think this is a positive way to get kids out and active and so I want to way thank you very much for the community in that area, all the people who have contributed, we do appreciate it,” he said.

The goal is to have the project completed this year with work beginning as soon as it receives council approval.