WINNIPEG – June 24, 2008 – Committed to the provision of recreation and leisure services in Winnipeg, Mayor Sam Katz and Bidhu Jha, MLA for Radisson officially opened the Provencher Spray Pad today at Provencher Park located at 271 Avenue de la Cathedrale. In addition to the Provencher Spray Pad, the Norquay Spray Park and spray pads at Fort Rouge Park, St. Norbert Community Centre and River Heights Community Centre will celebrate grand openings over the following week leading to Canada Day.

“Recreational infrastructure in Winnipeg is seeing a much-needed reinvestment for modern and improved facilities for our citizens to enjoy,” said Mayor Sam Katz. “These new outdoor aquatic play areas meet the needs of our vibrant community and offer our City’s youth healthy alternatives in safe environments.”

"I am pleased to be here to help celebrate and show our commitment to the future of recreation and leisure services at the grand opening of this new spray park,” said Bidhu Jha, MLA.  “Our support builds upon the work and dedication of the many community volunteers involved in this project.”

The opening of the Provencher Park Spray Pad is one of the many activities at Provencher Park on St. Jean Baptiste Day and in conjunction with Célébrations 2008, marking the 100th anniversary of the incorporation of the City of St. Boniface.

The new spray pads are approximately 2000 sq.ft. each.  They are fully accessible, and provide a place where children of all ages and abilities can safely and freely play together. Colorful and interactive water features provide a visually exciting character to each pad, offering a varied water play experience for its users at each site. The larger spray park at Norquay provides the elements of the spray pad and combines a wading pool portion in its design.    

Funding for the outdoor aquatic play areas was provided under the Manitoba-Winnipeg Recreation and Leisure Infrastructure Program.

The overall cost of the 4 spray pads at Provencher Park, Fort Rouge Park, River Heights and St. Norbert totals $1,040,000 with the Norquay Spray Park at $600,000.

For more information contact:
Carmen Barnett, Press Secretary
Mayor’s Office, 510 Main Street
PH: 311