For Immediate Release
Wednesday, September 2, 2020 - Port Hope, ON
A small group of Councillors and staff gathered on Wednesday afternoon to officially open the Municipality’s new state-of-the-art splash pad with a ribbon cutting ceremony at Wladyka Park.
“We are thrilled to officially open this new and exciting facility,” notes Bob Sanderson, Mayor of the Municipality of Port Hope. “Despite the added challenges brought on by the pandemic this year, construction of the splash pad was only delayed by a few weeks and we are pleased that the community will be able to enjoy the benefits of the amenity for the last few weeks of summer.”
The splash pad boasts 15 impressive spray features on a concrete pad and an advanced and complex recirculation filtration system, which significantly reduces long term operating costs and is more environmentally responsible.
The Municipality undertook a Design-Build approach through a competitive tendering process. The proponents were provided with the budget and were required to present a design within that budget with conditions to meet specific criteria. This included age appropriate equipment for three different age groups, accessibility, specific features, and mechanical requirements. Each proposal was evaluated using a weighted assessment tool which considered experience, price, features, creativity, value added components, references, etc. Five designs were received that met the criteria and each design was evaluated by four members of the community, two members of the Parks, Recreation, and Culture Advisory Committee, one member of the Accessibility Advisory Committee and municipal staff. The final design was then posted as part of the public engagement process for review and feedback by the community.
The project budget for the splash pad was $300,000, which was approved in the 2020 Budget. Ninety percent of the funding was allocated through Development Charges previously collected and the remaining funds were allotted through Parkland Cash In Lieu and the tax levy.
Additional features of the splash pad and the location at Wladyka Park include:
- Proximity to baseball diamonds and additional playground – ideal for league and tournament usage
- Site improvements include protective netting around the baseball diamonds, fencing around the splash pad, ample parking
- A modern, accessible washroom facility that was constructed in 2018, with ample space to change
- An additional family washroom
- A large covered picnic area directly beside the splash pad (approximately 600 square feet).
- Proximity to a large established subdivision
- Opportunity for additional tree planting
- Replacement of the playground surface with an accessible wood fibre surface
- A newly constructed sidewalk from the shelter to the splash pad to improve accessibility
Due to the ongoing global pandemic, only 20 people are permitted in the fenced area of the splash pad. Users are encouraged to wash or sanitize their hands before and after use and to avoid touching their face.
The splash pad is open daily, from 10:00 a.m. until dusk. For additional details, please visit the parks and playground page.
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For more information, please contact us.
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