Proposed Project: Splash Park

In 2022, the community identified water and playgrounds as a top priority for outdoor infrastructure through the Parks, Recreation & Culture Master Plan. In November 2023, staff submitted a report outlining climate considerations, water use requirements, types of splash parks (flow-through and recirculation), location options, and a proposed timeline for design and construction.

Council provided direction that the location, type, and scale of the splash park needed to be determined by the community through engagement. Engagement for this project includes surveys and an in-person engagement session.

There are three phases planned for this project:

Planning and engagement
Design and approvals < We are Here
Construction

Phase 1: Planning and Engagement

Engagement activities for this proposed project include:

Round 1: an online survey answering the question: "What does a splash park look like to you?"
Round 2: in-person engagement with an online survey option answering the question: "Which splash park design do you like?"

Round 1: Online Survey

Staff worked with Urban Systems Ltd. to develop and launch a splash park survey that ran from March 28, 2024 to April 19, 2024 to understand 'what a splash park looks like to you.' Questions were designed with the following objectives in mind:

Engage with community members to determine what criteria should inform the location of a splash park.
Engage with community members to determine what criteria should inform the type of splash park and features.
Provide community members with information about the project and next steps so they know how their input will be used and what the next stage of engagement will involve.

Over 647 surveys were completed, which have influenced both the location and the design of a potential splash park. View the Council Report summary.

Round 2: In-Person Engagement and Online Survey

Round 2 of engagement included the launch of an engagement survey to have the community vote on their preferred splash park design and provide input on the initial and on-going costs of a splash park. The survey closed on July 7, 2024.

An in-person engagement session was held at the Kin Park Ball Diamonds on Friday, June 28, 2024 at the Community Park and Play.

View the Design Options

Each design option is currently presented in Kin Park South, as that location aligns with the criteria presented in the online survey:

Centrally located
Near other amenities
Accessible and Walkable
Vehicle Parking

Each conceptual design includes the key input received in the Splash Park Survey:

Designed for all ages
Universal design and accessible features
Safety
Shade & Seating
Large and dynamic splash park features

All the conceptual designs are a recirculating splash park system as they use 1000 times less water than flow through systems. Recirculating systems do have a higher initial cost, but they save water, therefore saving money in the long term. They also allow for larger, more dynamic splash park features.

Survey Results and Recommendations

Report No. 24-101 Splash Park Engagement: Survey Results & Recommendations includes the results of the second round of Splash Park Engagement, as well as funding recommendations. Council directed Staff in August 2024 to defer the resolution until 2025 budget discussions. Read the Splash Park Engagement: Survey Results and Recommendations report online, or view the August 12, 2024 Council Meeting video to hear the discussion around the splash park.

Phase 2: Design and Approvals

At the January 13, 2025 Council Meeting, Council approved $2.95M from grant funding to be used towards the Splash Park Project in the 2025 Draft 1 Budget; further, that upon the park's opening, an additional tax increase be incorporated into a future budget to cover all operational costs; and finally, that any remaining grant funding be allocated to Trail Development projects.

Further information about the Splash Park project will be shared at a later date.