Winnipeg, MB - Children and families will be keeping cool this summer thanks to the new splash pad added to the St. James-Assiniboia Centennial Pool complex that was officially opened today by Healthy Living, Seniors and Consumer Affairs Minister Jim Rondeau and Mayor Sam Katz.
“Children of all ages and abilities can enjoy water play on a hot day, keeping cool and having fun at the splash pads that are being added to parks and playgrounds all around the city,” said Minister Rondeau, who was speaking on behalf of Local Government Minister Ron Lemieux. “Sites like the St. James-Assiniboia Centennial Pool complex clearly demonstrate the importance we place on encouraging children and families to enjoy healthy outdoor activities and the great things that can be accomplished when two levels of government work toward a common goal.”
The Building Communities Initiative (BCI) provided $500,000 to the project, cost-shared equally by the city and province. The splash pad, located at 664 Parkdale Street, includes 14 above-ground spray features, five ground spray features, picnic tables, benches, pathways and landscaping.
“I know that young people will make great use of this splash pad this summer and for many summers to come,” said Mayor Katz. “This project has been tailored to meet the needs of the families in the Crestview-Westwood area and will be a wonderful addition to the St James-Assiniboia Centennial Pool complex.”
The City of Winnipeg also provided $250,000 to expand the adjoining parking lot and invested 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 comfort for swimmers;
- multi-purpose sport room flooring replacement; and
- various locker replacements.
The St. James Centennial Pool splash pad was one of the approved neighbourhood infrastructure projects throughout Winnipeg announced as part of Phase One of the Build Communities Initiative II (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 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.
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 infrastructure in targeted older neighbourhoods and contribute to the vitality, safety and health of communities throughout the city.