Meritorious project

Full credit must go to the group of people in Emo who are spearheading the construction of a water spray park there.
After months of initial discussions and legwork, the committee is now set to launch its fundraising campaign this Saturday from 9-11 a.m. at Cloverleaf Grocery in Emo.
Raising $150,000 by next spring in order to build the 60’ x 60’ park is a daunting task, to be sure, but this project has such merit that district residents, particularly those in the Emo area, hopefully will throw their financial support behind it.
The spray park is designed so that excess water is immediately drained away—making it a safe place for youngsters to beat the heat and have fun. And because the triggering system only runs when it’s in use, there’s no wasting of water, either.
Then there’s the potential economic benefits. Being unique to the area, the spray park should draw residents from every corner of the district, as well as provide an attraction to get passing tourists to stop.
The influx of people, in turn, would boost existing Emo businesses—and perhaps spawn new ones.
Frankly, it’s a win-win situation all around.
The proposed spray park is a perfect example of the forward thinking needed to help our district survive the many challenges faced by the forestry, agriculture, and tourism industries we depend on so heavily.
And, just like Atikokan’s effort to claim the inaugural “Hockeyville” title in 2006, this also goes to show what a small group of dedicated individuals can accomplish when they put their hearts and minds to it.
As always, the sky’s the limit. We just have to reach for it.