Council approves Optimist Club Diefenbaker Hill winter park fundraising plans

The Optimist Club of Saskatoon’s plans to build a winter park on Diefenbaker Hill took another step forward Monday as the city approved the group’s fundraising plans.

City council unanimously approved the plan that would culminate in turning the green space into the Optimist Hill at Diefenbaker Park. Council also approved the Optimist Club’s plan to give big donors naming rights on parts of the park which include tubing and snowboard runs, a climbing wall, concessions and meeting rooms.
 
The goal of the campaign, which will start early next year, is to raise $5 million in nine months. The city approved $535,000 in tax money in the 2015 capital budget.
 
If the goal is reached, construction of the park could begin in March and the park could open by next winter. Otherwise, the park will open in stages.