What's all the SPLASH about?

Fair Havens Ministries is excited to bring another growth project to your attention for 2008!

Our emphasis on strengthening families through meaningful camp experiences continues!  Families in Canada are in need of encouragement and sound Biblical guidance.  With over 5,000 guests attending family camp each summer, we believe that God has positioned Fair Havens strategically to help address this need.

A project is currently underway to enhance the summer family experience even more.  In 2006, through a God-given opportunity, Fair Havens was able to acquire a nearly new aquatic splash park.  2008 marks the year when we will be installing this equipment to produce our very own water splash and spray park facility!

With 8 significant spray elements, this park promises to provide a whole new level of opportunity for family togetherness!  What a vision to see parents and grandparents playing together with their children and grandchildren on those hot sunny days.  This is the vision of Fair Havens – to bring families together!

There’s more!

This park is being placed in memory of Debbie Fallow.  Many of you will remember this young lady.  Her smile and encouraging personality in the midst of physical hardships is truly unforgettable!  I’m sure you will enjoy her parent's reflections on Debbie and what this park means to them.

"It's hard to put into words what our objectives are in making the splash pad a lasting memory of Deb's life. Fair Havens was such an important part of her life. She had so many friends there. I was unaware of many of them until after her death.  It was Bernie and Angela (Horley) that approached us the summer of 2006 wanting to do something to remember her life.

You may know that Debs name had been on a waiting list to live in a Christian Horizons home. She was not excited about the prospect of living somewhere other than home. I know one of her big concerns was that she would no longer be able to spend the entire summer at camp. She loved camp. I am sure if she was still here the splash pad would be a place she would want to hang out at....taking pictures and laughing at kids having fun.... she would probably be right there trying to enforce "the rules" too.... making sure no one got hurt... and royally ticking kids off in the process.  The world tends to think that if a person is not productive they have little or no value. If there is pain and/or suffering it would have been better if they had not been born. It is very important for us to remember that Deb's life had significance.  So many people were affected by her life; by her faith in a loving God. Too many people are hurting and wondering where God is in the midst of their pain and suffering. Years from now, when children are enjoying this splash pad and people ask "Who was Debbie Fallow?" her story can continue to inspire people to keep looking to God and trusting in His sovereign will." - Darlene & Terry Fallow

Debbie went to be with her heavenly Father on Nov 8, 2005 at the age of 30 years.

Click here to find out more about Debbie

What is a Splash Park?

Splash Parks are automated, interactive aquatic play areas for children of all ages, designed for usage in unsupervised play areas. Combining safety and durability, Splash Parks are an effective way of introducing the excitement of aquatic recreation to urban and rural outdoor play areas.

Why a Splash Park?

• Support our vision for family based ministry.
• Expand the summer unstructured recreational activities available for families, primarily targeting children ages 2 – 12 yrs.
• Promote safe, interactive, outdoor family, inter-generational play
• Relieve pressure on existing pool and make pool more accessible for adults
• Present a lasting memory of Debbie Fallow.  Debbie was a physically challenged guest who thoroughly enjoyed Fair Havens family camp each year with her parents Terry & Darlene.  She exhibited a joy in everyday living with her Saviour that was truly contagious.  She went home on November 8, 2005 at the age of 30 years.

Benefits of a Splash Park

• Low Capital Cost:  A completely automated Splash Park can be constructed  for a portion of the cost of an in-ground commercial grade swimming pool.
• No Lifeguard Supervision Required:  The Splash Park is built on a relatively flat playing surface with minimal depth standing water eliminating the need for a dedicated lifeguard.
• Low operational cost:  Durable spray features require minimal maintenance and the automated system eliminates the need for an attendant to turn the system on and off daily.
• Low water consumption:  A variety of spray features designed to maximise water effects while minimizing water consumption.
• Play value:  The variety of shapes, colours, water effects as well as the interactive aspect of Splash Parks provide entertainment for all ages.

Park Specs

• Equipment Manufacturer: EMPEX Water Toys (www.watertoys.net)
  • The used equipment we purchased has been completely refurbished by the manufacturer at a substantial savings over buying new.
• Size: Approximately 1,500 to 2,000 square feet of pad
• Location: North of the existing pool, west of the new pavilion
• Spray Elements: A total of 7 constructed in 2008 with an 8th planned for 2009. See diagrams below:

			2009

Project Cost

Your Opportunity to Participate

The great news is that we have just over $50,000 in place to start this project!  Why not join us now to help fund the remaining $60,000?  We’re looking for people, organizations and businesses who value our vision of encouraging families and helping them experience joy as they navigate life based on God’s design and promises.  Your participation is greatly appreciated.

Please contact me directly for information on how you can get involved through a donation or corporate sponsorship.  You can email (jfriesen@fairhavens.org) or call at 1.800.430.5059.  You can also give a donation online and select the Splash Park project!

Thank you in advance for making this dream a reality.  Join us this summer and enjoy the sights and sounds of family togetherness.

Your fellow servant in Christ,

John Friesen

Executive Director
Fair Havens Ministries
Life Changing Experiences!

Picture of the equipment in its previous location (Pioneer Sportsworld, Kitchener, ON)