City pursues provincial grant for South Hudson playground

A new playground structure at South Hudson Park got a little closer to reality.

The City chose to support an application for funds from the Saskatchewan government for rebuilding the playground at the park.

“That just allows us to make an application for some funds to do a bit of an upgrade over there,” said Huntley.

Funds for the renovation, if approved, will come from the Saskatchewan government’s Municipal Economic Enhancement Program (MEEP). As Flin Flon is a border community, the City is able to obtain grant funding from the Saskatchewan government for projects based in the Saskatchewan side of town - which, by virtue of being on South Hudson, the playground project abides. Funding through the MEEP is devoted specifically to projects with a signed funding agreement, a project plan and a council resolution supporting the project.

In total, upgrading the playground is estimated to cost $65,000, exactly $29,177 of which would come from the MEEP. The money must be fully spent on the project by March 31, 2022.

“It’s additional gas tax funding that was released and it is done on a per capita basis. The amount is what we’re entitled to, but we have to have a resolution of council to submit the application so the project can move forward,” explained City chief administrative officer Glenna Daschuk.

If approved, the City anticipates the playground project will be completed by the end of next summer.