Work is underway to prepare the city’s three splash pads for reopening.
The regular opening of the splash pads for the summer season does take some time for crews to complete procedures, but depending on the weather, all splash pads are expected to be open June 22.
Royal Heights Veterans Memorial Park, Padwick Park and the Dennis Moore Centennial Park all have splash pads. The splash pad at Centennial will be open for the first time this year.
“Some parks are in the finishing stages of completion, and we ask for your patience as we will open before some are fully complete,” shared Rod March, parks and facilities manager. “We are thrilled that the splash pads will be open this year, and we look forward to seeing families enjoy the space that we work so hard at to make beautiful, enjoyable spaces for you to use.”
Paddling pools typically open after Canada Day each year. The goal is to open those facilities during the regular planned schedule, but because of the tight timeline for planning, there may be a delay in the start date.
Paddling pools will be open in the afternoons from 1-5 p.m.
“We need to bring back our staff, get them trained on new procedures, fill the pools and have them certified through public health, so there may be a bit of a delay on the opening date,” said program manager Erin Wilson. “We are delighted to offer the paddling pools again this season and can’t wait to help make the summer memorable.”
Playpark programs will continue at Rusty Duce, Hillcrest, Churchill and Hillside parks. Craft time will open in the mornings from 10 a.m. until noon and is a drop-in program for kids to enjoy the outdoors and be creative.
A date for playpark programs and paddling pools has not yet been set. Users can expect to see a schedule in the coming weeks. In the meantime, the playpark program is asking users to start collecting tissue boxes, toilet paper and paper towel rolls, bottle caps, baby food jars, egg cartons or CDs.
A reminder that social distancing of two metres is in effect at all facilities, including parks.
