Sault Mayor Christian Provenzano, city councillors, city staff and community members who stepped forward with funding to make the city’s first splash pad a reality gathered at Bellevue Park Thursday for the new, fun facility’s groundbreaking ceremony.
The splash pad project has been in the works for over two years.
There will be 25 active components to the splash pad, explained Virginia McLeod, the city’s Recreation and Culture manager, speaking to SooToday.
“We wanted to include some interactive features so that kids are involved in the play. There’ll be the Discovery Stream, which bubbles water, there’ll be wheels and they’ll be able to control the water flow, there’ll be low level features which will be good for toddlers,” McLeod said.
“Next week we will begin the digging and hoping to open the splash pad in August,” McLeod said.
“We’re very excited about this project and the fun and enjoyment it’s going to bring to so many in our community over the coming years,” McLeod said.
Outside the main spray area will be a large concrete perimeter, and a large, separate shade shelter to be built nearby.
CRCS Recreation of Sudbury designed the splash pad, which will have a total area of 372 square metres, the actual spray area 213 square metres.
Waterplay Solutions of Kelowna, BC will manufacture the splash pad with the help of local contractors.
“We would not be here if it were not for the support of a caring community,” Mayor Provenzano said, thanking all who helped with the development of the splash pad project.
“The splash pad can be used by anyone and everyone at no cost, it will be accessible to make sure as many as possible are able to enjoy a fun, outdoor summer experience,” Provenzano said on the first official day of summer.
Subway Restaurants, the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, citizen Albert Williams and his charity hockey tournament, the Rotary Club of Sault Ste. Marie, the Kiwanis Club of Lakeshore and Kiwanis Club of Lakeshore Foundation each made significant financial contributions toward the splash pad.
The water play components have a cost of $300,000, total cost for the project estimated at $550,000.
“I hope this will be the first of many more (splash pads) to come throughout the city over the next few years,” said Paul Christian, Ward One city councillor while addressing Thursday’s audience, describing the metamorphosis of Bellevue Park over the years and recalling features such as the wading pool that was once located there.