Winnipeg, MB - Families in Charleswood have a new facility to help beat the heat in the summer months thanks to the new splash pad at the Westdale Community Centre that was officially opened today by Local Government Minister Ron Lemieux and Mayor Sam Katz.
“This new spray pad will be a cool way for families to enjoy the warm weather this summer season,” said Lemieux. “Water activities, sports and healthy outdoor recreation give youth a positive outlet for their energy and can provide a focus for family entertainment. The province is pleased to partner with the city on this important project that will serve the children and families in this community for years to come.”
“Splash pads are quickly becoming favourite summer destinations for kids and parents across the city,” said Mayor Katz. “We are pleased to be able to provide Charleswood families with a safe, accessible place to play and cool off. This splash pad will be a wonderful addition to the Westdale Community Centre and will serve this community for years to come.”
“Many children will enjoy summers of fun here thanks to the City's partnership with the Province and we are very pleased to have such a fantastic facility for Charleswood,” said Councillor Paula Havixbeck, Charleswood - Tuxedo Ward.
An investment of $500,000 was provided to the project through the Building Communities Initiative (BCI) II, which is cost-shared equally by the city and province. The splash pad, located at Westdale Community Centre at 550 Dale Boulevard, includes eight in-ground spray features, six above-ground spray features, new fencing, site furnishings, trees and landscaping.
To assist in reducing water consumption, water for the splash pad will be recirculated from the adjacent outdoor pool. The splash pad is also designed to meet the City of Winnipeg Accessibility Design Standards.
The Westdale Community Centre splash pad was one of the approved neighbourhood infrastructure projects throughout Winnipeg announced as part of Phase One of the Building Communities Initiative (BCI) II that provided a total of $10 million between 2010 and 2013. Of the 37 approved projects under the first phase, 31 have been completed, with the remaining six to be completed over the next year. Projects included improving athletic fields, playgrounds and structures, splash pads, lighting, seating, pathways in parks, upgrades and expansion of community centres. A second phase committing a further $10 million to community infrastructure in Winnipeg is currently underway.
The BCI II is a multi-year, cost-shared capital initiative developed jointly by the Manitoba government and the City of Winnipeg. The goal of the funding is to support community revitalization through improvements to local infrastructure in targeted older neighbourhoods and contribute to the vitality, safety and health of communities throughout the city.