WINNIPEG, MB - July 25, 2012 - The new splash pad being added to the St. James-Assiniboia Centennial Pool complex will provide a fun water activity and give youngsters in the area a cool option on hot summer days, Healthy Living, Seniors and Consumer Affairs Minister Jim Rondeau and Mayor Sam Katz announced today.
“Outdoor play areas like splash pads are a safe way for children of all ages to enjoy refreshing water activities on hot summer days,” said Minister Rondeau, who was speaking on behalf of Local Government Minister Ron Lemieux. “Provincial support of recreational sites like the St. James-Assiniboia Centennial Pool complex clearly demonstrates the importance we place on encouraging individuals and families to keep fit by taking part in healthy outdoor activities.”
The project, located at 664 Parkdale Street, includes a new splash pad with 14 above-ground spray features, five ground spray features, picnic tables, benches, pathways and landscaping. The Building Communities Initiative (BCI) is providing $500,000 to the project, cost-shared equally by the city and province.
“This new splash pad will be a wonderful addition to the existing recreational complex, which is already a popular destination for the Crestview-Westwood community,” said Mayor Katz. “The splash pad will provide families with another safe, fun, recreational option in support of active, healthy lifestyles.”
In addition to the splash pad, the City of Winnipeg is also providing $250,000 to expand the adjoining parking lot and investing an additional $1.1 million in the St. James-Assiniboia Centennial Pool complex for a variety of new amenities including:
- replacement of the original 40 year old boiler system and related works;
- installation of ultra-violet disinfection system for reduced chemical use and greater bather comfort;
- multi-purpose sport room flooring replacement; and
- various locker replacements.
It is expected that all renovations will be completed this fall.
Splash pads have been in use by the City of Winnipeg for the past five years and have proven to be very popular, fun destination points. â�The City of Winnipeg currently operates nine splash pads.
Since 2010, $10 million in BCI funding has been committed to 39 approved neighbourhood infrastructure projects throughout Winnipeg and work on many of the projects has been completed.
The Building Communities Initiative (BCI) is a multi-year, cost-shared capital initiative developed jointly by the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg. The goal of BCI is to support community revitalization through improvements to local community infrastructure in targeted older neighbourhoods and contribute to the vitality, safety and health of communities throughout the city.