A Chilliwack man who gifted two residential lots to the city for a playground, has donated money for a water feature at the park named after his family.
Rodney Philippson had the honours of turning on the water at Chilliwack's first spray zone, located at Philippson Family Park in Promontory on Friday, June 27.
Philippson's family trust donated $40,000 towards the $90,000 spray zone at his family-named park. It has three spray structures, and is one of three new spray zones which opened that day at three community parks in Chilliwack. The other two are at Fairfield Park and Webster Park.
"This is one of the solutions to try and give young people something to do to keep them out of mischief and vandalism," he said.
The double lot at 46661 Sylvan Dr., valued at more than $850,000, was donated by the Philippson family in early-2021. By June of that year, a nautical-themed playground was built – a nod to his career as a West Coast commercial fisherman and his Icelandic family's involvement in the marine industry.
"The sea has been my livelihood," he said.
The City of Chilliwack describes them as "compact" spray zones which are smaller than Chilliwack's two spray parks located at the Chilliwack Landing Leisure Centre and Cheam Leisure Centre. The water features at the spray zones – which are activated by a push-plunger switch – stay on for 45 seconds, whereas the ones at the two spray parks stay on for several minutes after the button has been pushed.
“The compact spray zones are an exciting new addition to our city,” said Mayor Ken Popove. “We are grateful to the Philippson family for being dedicated community members who help us continue to make Chilliwack a great place to live.”
Philippson has worked with youth for decades. He was a Cub Scout leader for 17 years and was also on a school board for four terms.
The 87-year-old moved to Promontory in 1994 where he lived across the street from the donated property. He said he has a great appreciation for kids and wanted to leave something behind for them.
"I try to take an interest in the young people in the community," he said.
Philippson encourages others to donate their time with kids, and their money on community projects for youth.
The three new spray zones, plus Chilliwack's two spray parks are open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week until just after the Labour Day weekend.
