It was a great day as the new Splash Pad at Wladyka Park opened for the first time on Wednesday, August 26, 2020.
The Splash Pad originally was supposed to open in July, but COVID-19 delayed that for over a month.
Port Hope Director of Parks, Recreation and Culture Jim McCormack, said, “it was great news as we’ve completed work at the Splash Pad.”
“We’ve received approval from the Health Unit and we are now open and ready for business.”
From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. the Splash Pad will remain open until the weather changes and it becomes cooler.
There are also a number of COVID-19 rules at the Splash Pad.
The investment into the Splash Pad was $350,000 with 90% funded through development charges the town has been collecting for a number of years in anticipation of the Splash Pad.
The contract was awarded in February and proceeded with construction with a date of July 1 completion, but COVID delayed the opening.
The Splash Pad is a first of its kind for this area having a recirculation system for the water.
Other municipalities do not have systems that recycle their water, but with the Splash Pad in Port Hope it recycles the water similar to a pool.
“We are recirculating are water, yes we’ll have to add some fresh water for top-up purposes, but fortunately we are reusing all of that water by treating it and filtering it with chemicals.”
“It’s an excellent investment up front because they payback is long term,” said McCormack.
Port Hope Parks Facility Manager Floyd Beattie said the system is based on all the water on the Splash Pad going into a 4,000 gallon holding tank and it keeps recirculating itself over and over.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
