 Parents and children in Riverside South have a new place to splash around this summer. The splash pad at Claudette Cain Park opened a couple of weeks ago because of the heat wave Ottawa experienced.
City councillor for Riverside South, Steve Desroches, said he is very excited about the artistic splash pad in his ward.
"It's a fantastic addition to the community," he said. "Splash pads are very popular for families looking for a fun way to cool off in the summer."
The brightly coloured pad that has tall flowers that shower water and spray guns that shoot water into the sky can be seen while driving down River Rd."This is not your average splash pad," said Coun. Desroches. "It's the cat's meow." Coun. Desroches explained that the city is trying to move away from using wading pools in the summer because of their cost to run and the chlorinated water that cannot be recycled. However, because splash pads are controlled by sensors, they only use water when there is someone around to enjoy it and they are very cost effective. "It's an important amenity. They are very well used and as a parent, I know how important it is for kids to interact with other children and this is one way that kids can have fun and beat the heat," said Coun. Desroches. Coun. Desroches mentioned that some residents have requested additional benches in the area, to which the city is looking into. Jay Nelles, recreation coordinator for the Riverside South Community Association stopped by the park last week to see what would be in store for families in the area over the summer. "Our community residents have every reason to be delighted at the completion of the new splash pad," he said. "Having experienced about normal temperatures, the new splash pad has already been the scene of some great play activity by children of all ages." Claudette Cain, the former mayor of Gloucester from 1991-2001, said she heard about the splash pad in the park named after her and looked forward to taking her grandchildren to play there over the weekend. "I'm very proud of that park and this is wonderful to have in the south of Ottawa. I hope all the kids in the area and around Ottawa enjoy it," said Ms. Cain. Article courtesy of EMC News
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