VIDEO: Kids soak up grand opening of west-end splash pad

The Manzo Park splash pad is officially open — just in time for the start of summer.

Mayor Matthew Shoemaker was surrounded by plenty of happy kids Thursday afternoon as the new pad was unveiled to the public. 

SooToday cameras were there to capture the joy. 

Below is the full news release from the city:

It was a day of celebration as the City of Sault Ste. Marie held the grand opening celebration of its newest splash pad.

Located in Manzo Park, Manzo Park Splash Pad features colourful water features such as a shower head, spray jets, and various activated, in-ground, and above-ground features that spray water in different patterns and directions. The splash pad will serve a neighbourhood with a large population of kids under 14. Manzo Park is already host to a local pool, washrooms, and other amenities. The City was able to use the Park’s existing infrastructure to support the construction of the new splash pad.

“We are thrilled that the west end will host Sault Ste. Marie’s newest recreational offering — with the Manzo Park Splash Pad opening just in time for the start of summer,” said Mayor Matthew Shoemaker. “Recreational services and facilities are essential for fostering a healthy and vibrant community. The City is committed to continue pursuing more developments of this nature.”

Funding and support for this project has been provided by the City of Sault Ste. Marie and the Canada Community-Building Fund.

“The Manzo Park Splash Pad in Sault Ste. Marie provides a place for children and other members of the community to have fun, play, and cool off on a warm summer day. The colourful water features of the Splash Pad make being outdoors and active even more enjoyable,” said Terry Sheehan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labour and Seniors, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “This project is an example of the federal government’s commitment to ensure that vital infrastructure for people of all ages is available close to where they call home.”

This project was supported by a federal investment of $625,000 through the Canada Community-Building Fund. The Fund is administered by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) to 443 municipalities across the province, flowing crucial infrastructure dollars to municipal governments, and supporting the growth and vitality of Ontario’s communities.

In addition to the main water feature, the splash pad area will include picnic tables, changing rooms, paved walkways, and ample seating. The Manzo Park Splash Pad hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. For more information visit www.saultstemarie.ca/splashpad.