Bringing a Splash Pad to Digby: A Community Effort

Bringing a community splash pad to fruition is no small feat, but the passion and dedication of Digby residents has turned this dream into a reality. From community discussions to partnering with ABC Recreation, every step of this project has been marked by collaboration and enthusiasm. In this post, we’ll dive into the details of how the Digby Splash Pad project came to life through a Q&A with Digby’s Recreation Director Sharon. From its inception in local Facebook group conversations to successful fundraising efforts, here’s a look at how one town in Nova Scotia brought a splash pad to their community.
Can you share a few details about what inspired you to initiate this splash pad project?
We have a local Digby Facebook group which shares events and has a lot of community conversations. By following and getting tagged [as the Recreation Director] in some of those threads over a few months, the discussion of a splash pad popped up a few times. We had one community member send an email asking what we [Digby Area Recreation] could do. We discussed this with the DARC Board of Directors, and we decided we could host a meeting to see if the community was serious about this project and all the fundraising involved. We had 8 folks show up to the first meeting, but they left excited. The following week we had 30 folks show up, and it was from there that a committee was formed, and we were off!
Why did you choose to work with our team at ABC Recreation?
I reached out to other municipalities and community groups that had recently built pads, specifically the Town of Wolfville and the Yarmouth Splash Park Committee. I personally knew the lead in Yarmouth who was very helpful in our early stages of preparation and planning. She had just completed this work, travelled the province and did the research, and she graciously shared all of that information with us. Both Wolfville and Yarmouth highly recommended ABC Recreation for this project and the Digby Splash Park Committee made the decision to move forward with ABC Recreation.
How did you establish your budget and fundraising goal?
We knew we wanted to go with a seaside theme and selected the features we wanted to have. This went back and forth for a bit until we found a design that we all agreed on. The design budget, along with some other requirements, determined what we would need to fundraise.
What fundraising initiatives were most successful for your group?



We had some great campaigns, including:
Hang Bar Fundraiser: This was one of our first events, held during the Lobster Bash Festival.
Calendar Sales: Local artist Mary Saulnier donated proceeds from her specially designed calendar.
West Jet Ticket Sale: This campaign, along with two Smile Cookie Campaigns by Tim Hortons, were significant contributors.
Community Yard Sale: An ongoing bottle drive managed by one gentleman who handled over 100,000 bottles.
Local Festivals: Selling cotton candy, organizing pull-up bars, and axe-throwing booths.
Youth Events: Including dances, craft fairs, car washes, and BBQs in collaboration with the local fire department and Atlantic Super Store.
We also had amazing sponsors, and we had cheques coming in the mail ranging from $50 – $,1500 from businesses and individuals who wanted to support the project. It was truly amazing to see the community spirit! Finally, we applied for a NS Provincial Grant – Communities, Cultures, Tourism and Heritage, that resulted in $300,000 which was truly amazing! This extra funding allowed the community to add the Twin Splash Bucket, fencing, benches and picnic tables, and a washroom to the site.
How did you promote your cause and gain traction within your community?
We had articles printed by The Tri-County Vanguard on a few occasions and our municipality does a newsletter called the Coastline which featured our design and article.
Any tips for other community groups hoping to start a similar project?
I believe the first thing is knowing you have community support to do the fundraising work involved and second, I suggest reaching out to other communities who have built splash pads and ask for ideas for fundraising, research, and grants – most folks will happily share that information!
The Digby Splash Pad project is a shining example of what can be accomplished when a community comes together with a shared vision and dedication. From the initial spark of inspiration in local Facebook conversations to the tremendous fundraising efforts and partnerships, this project has demonstrated the power of collective effort and community spirit. Get in touch with us to see how we can help with your splash pad project!