Winnipeg, MB - Residents in West Kildonan will have plenty of summer fun to enjoy at a new spray pad thanks to a $400,000 joint investment through Phase Two of the Manitoba/Winnipeg Building Communities Initiative (BCI) II partnership, announced Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Gord Mackintosh, on behalf of Local Government Minister Ron Lemieux; and Councillor Ross Eadie (Mynarski), on behalf of Mayor Sam Katz.
“Splash pads are a great invention and a safe and healthy way for children of all ages to enjoy refreshing outdoor water activities on hot summer days,” said Minister Lemieux. “The province is pleased to join with the city to support recreational sites like the West Kildonan Memorial Community Centre because it clearly demonstrates the importance we place on encouraging individuals and families to stay active and keep fit.”
“I’m very excited to announce a new summer outdoor attraction in our neighbourhood that area residents can enjoy free of charge,” said Minister Mackintosh, who also represents the St. Johns constituency. “For over 65 years the community centre has been serving generations of West Kildonan families and this terrific new amenity is sure to be popular with children for years to come.”
“Families from the West Kildonan area will enjoy summer that much more when this much needed free recreational facility is built in the heart of their neighbourhood,” said Mayor Katz. “This project provides a safe, healthy and fun outdoor play environment for our community’s youth.”
Design plans will be completed this summer with construction commencing in fall 2013. The spray pad is set to open at the start of summer 2014.
“Many families in the Jefferson neighbourhood have been looking for a free splash pad experience. Working with Minister Gord Mackintosh, it was easier to decide where both the province’s and city’s money could be best invested in this large neighbourhood and a location in the middle of the neighbourhood was chosen, as the West Kildonan Memorial Community Centre has gone many years without renewal,” said Councillor Ross Eadie, Mynarski ward. “Along with the new City of Winnipeg funded play structure, the splash pad elements will offer children in the Jefferson neighbourhood fun opportunities to stay cool for longer than just wading pool hours.”
The West Kildonan Memorial Community Centre Spray Pad is one of 34 projects approved under Phase Two of BCI II. The BCI 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 community infrastructure in targeted older neighbourhoods and contribute to the vitality, safety and health of communities throughout the city.
Phase One of BCI II 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 in the 2013 construction season. Projects included improving athletic fields, playgrounds and structures, splash pads, lighting, seating, pathways in parks, upgrades and expansion of community centres. Projects are selected in consultation with key stakeholders and community groups.