There is nothing quite like a Winnipeg summer. The warm days and sunny skies are perfect for spending time outdoors. If you’re looking for some fun while keeping cool on a hot day, head down to your local spray pad.
There, you’ll find a variety of fountains, sprayers, and misters that shoot water in all directions. They are sure to provide hours of fun and laughter for kids of all ages and abilities.
These colourful, interactive play areas are fun for the entire family. And the best part is—they’re free!
A refreshing shift
You may have noticed more spray pads popping up over the years—there are 29 and counting! This is all part of our ongoing Spray Pad Investment Program. Between 2025 and 2029, we will invest nearly $19 million. The plan includes constructing 9 new spray pads that will replace 16 wading pools.
Most of our 63 wading pools were built in the 1960s and 70s, and many have reached the end of their useful life. While they have served their communities well, they have their limitations. They appeal to a smaller age range and have shorter operating seasons.
“There’s no real capacity restrictions, so everyone can enjoy a lot of interactive, free play," explained Jennifer Sarna, Manager of Recreation Services with the Community Services Department, during the July 2025 episode of Our City, Our Podcast.
One of the great benefits of spray pads is they have a longer season, and are open for longer each day.
This program is about more than just replacing old infrastructure. It’s about creating a more equitable city. Wading pools don’t meet current accessibility standards, so converting them to spray pads creates more recreation opportunities that everyone can enjoy and gives more families a way to cool off during hot summers.
“Spray pads offer great accessibility,” said Jennifer.
“There is zero-grade entry and no curbs or other obstacles that you would experience in a wading pool.”
The program also takes into consideration location, ensuring there are spray pads available in all areas of the city.
Our newest spray pads
At the start of the 2024 season, we opened the Crescentwood Spray Pad, located at the Corydon Community Centre Crescentwood Site. This was followed by the Maples Spray Pad, located in Adsum Park that opened in August. Champlain Spray Pad then opened in September 2024 and residents of St. Boniface are now enjoying its first full year in service.
When we kicked off the 2025 season, we unveiled two brand new spray pads: The Bronx Park Spray Pad, serving North Kildonan and Elmwood – East Kildonan, and the Clifton Spray Pad, located at the Valour Community Centre Clifton Site, serving Daniel McIntyre.
Later this summer, we will be celebrating our 30th spray pad. It will be located at Turtle Island Neighbourhood Centre, serving the Mynarski ward.
Tips for your next visit
To make the most of your next visit, here are some tips:
- Bring your own water to stay hydrated, and remember to never drink from the spray features
- Consider packing a snack, but remember not to bring food or glass on the spray pad and dispose of any packaging in the recycling and garbage bins
- Keep your feet protected by wearing water shoes
- Stay protected from the sun with a hat and swim shirt and wear and reapply sunscreen
- Bring a towel to dry off when you’re done
- Remember to have fun!
Most spray pads are open from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., every day of the week until September 1. Visit winnipeg.ca/spraypads to find a location near you.
Our City, Our Podcast
Sarna discusses spray pads, pools, Leisure Guide programming, and more on Our City, Our Podcast. This episode was released in July, 2025.