South Dundas Community Playground Project
Phase II – The Splash Pad
Q. What exactly is a Splash Pad?
A. It’s a zero depth acquatic structure combining water movement – flowing, spraying, jetting, misting, for kid’s play. There is no standing water, no lifeguard requirement, minimal water consumption, and Maximum Fun!
Q. Why are we building one?
A. So many great reasons to build a Splash Pad! When we built the playground in 2011, the most frequently asked question within the community was “Can we include a Splash Pad?” The answer is “Yes, we can, and we will!” The Splash Pad provides the opportunity for inclusive and accessible outdoor play and social development for kids of all ages, abilities and economic circumstances. It’s a safe alternative for small children, non swimmers and those times when we have forced beach closures.
Q. Is it good for the Community?
A. Absolutely. No question that adding the Splash Pad continues to improve the quality of the park as a desirable destination for residents and visitors. It’s a great social meeting place for kids and families, promoting outdoor play and healthy lifestyle. Economically speaking, we are creating a valuable community asset, keeping residents in the community rather than the trips to the Cornwall and Brockville Splash Pads. When we talked to local teachers they were enthusiastic about school trips to our own Splash Pad rather than bussing the kids out of town as they do now. And remember what it felt like to be part of the Playground Build, such pride and sense of ownership in the accomplishment? That is REALLY good for the community.
Q. How will we get it done?
A. Splash Pads have more complicated mechanisms than Playground equipment so this time around, the people with the expertise will be doing the actual construction. Our big role will be in raising financial support for purchase of the services of one of the specialty companies. There will undoubtedly be a need for construction services and materials that can be provided as in-kind donations. The project was launched on May 5th, and our hope is to have the money raised and construction completed this year. The first full year of operation would be summer, 2015.
Q. Where do we stand financially?
A. This time around we need the money in the bank prior to contracting the business. Thanks to ongoing fundraising activities, we are starting with $100,000 and will be raising another $100,000. We need the whole community for this one, and fortunately, they seem to be on board. Even before the launch, businesses and individuals have been coming forward with financial and in kind support.
Q. How can we help?
A. GET INVOLVED! Watch this website and join us on Facebook at facebook.com/South.Dundas.Community.Playground, and on Twitter at @SDCplayground. Attend the activities, make a donation, hold a special event – a bake sale, a yard sale - , spread the word, pass on ideas to us...It’s surprising how quickly things add up.
Q. Are the kids involved?
A. You bet! Just like the last time, we will be holding DOTMOCRACY sessions where the kids vote on Splash Pad elements during presentations at the schools. This proved to be such a great experience and helped to give the whole community – kids and parents alike – a sense of pride and ownership in the project.
Q. What might it look like?
This...
Or this...
