SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - The Jiewa Park project proposed for the Mildred Hall School grounds remains at a standstill after being partially completed.

Laurie Sarkadi, chair of parents' committee that pushed for the construction of a park at Mildred Hall school, sits on a concrete bench surrounded by a sea of gravel with students Kyla LeSage, Brenda Hotte-Joyce, and Allan Koyczan. - Mike W. Bryant/NNSL photo

The project, for which construction began two years ago, is not expected to be picked up again until next year.

This is according to Metro Huculak, superintendent for Yellowknife Education District No. 1, who said raising the more than $1 million required to complete the park has been problematic.

"I think because the economy's down and we're kind of in a recession it's difficult to raise money. Really, it's kind of on hold," he said.

The aspects of the park on hold include new playground equipment, grass to cover the gravel lot, and a cultural centre with tipis and smokehouses where Dene curriculum can be taught.

Huculak said fundraisers for the park came up against several hurdles, making it virtually impossible to gather the required funds.

"When we started Jiewa Park the Arctic Winter Games were on and people were donating to the games, then the recession hit, with people losing jobs and so on, it was difficult," he said.

Huculak said Tait Communications was contracted for one year to fundraise for Jiewa Park, but he said the firm will not be used for further park fundraising efforts.

"We'll do it on our own because when you sign a contract you have to pay out quite a few dollars for consultancy," he said.Huculak was unsure what percentage of the money Tait Communications raised was taken by the firm as payment, but he said the monthly fee "wasn't much."

The decision on what methods will be used to raise money in the future will be made next year, he said.

"We'll see if we go with a consult again, or whether we try to do it on our own, or get a group of parents to do it - we'll have those discussions after the new year."

Tait Communications was not willing to comment. A spokesperson said the firm is no longer part of the project and the staff member in charge of the work has since left the company.

Guy Architects did the design and construction drawings for the park and is waiting for renewed funds so construction on the remainder of the park can go ahead.

Wayne Guy said his firm has been paid for the design work that has been completed, which so far includes the paved civic plaza, the Lego-inspired wall by Franklin Avenue and two new basketball courts with lighting.

Laurie Sarkadi, chair of the parents committee pushing for the park, said she has not been to a meeting about the park for more than a year but if the project gets underway again, she will be on board.

"I'm certainly committed to seeing that park become a reality," she said.

"I'm really encouraged by what the city's done with the park beside city hall and I just get excited about continuing that type of park through to Mildred Hall.

"I just want to really see it green. But right now I don't know where it's at."