New spray pad replaces wading pool in North Kildonan

Residents of North Kildonan are awaiting the construction of a new spray pad being constructed at the Bronx Park Community Centre.

"Some of our greatest memories as kids and parents are from our trips to our local community centres and parks, gathering with our friends and neighbours," says the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister for PrairiesCan and CanNor and Member of Parliament for St-Boniface-St-Vital on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities. "This transformation at Bronx Park Community Centre will ensure all children have the opportunity to gather and play while offering families a welcoming and fun place to get outside, cool off, and create those long-lasting memories. Our Government will continue to invest in projects like these that help Canadians stay active and healthy."

The deconstruction of the current wading pool and construction of the new spray pad is scheduled to begin in 2023 and is expected to be open to the public in 2024.

"Bronx Park Community Center and Good Neighbors Active Living Center are such important pillars in our community," says Jeff Browaty, Councillor for North Kildonan. "Spray pads are so popular and such a great way to enjoy our short precious summers. The wading pool here is one of the few remnants from the old original Bronx Park Community club, it's starting to show it's where it's going to need maintenance for years to come. So instead, we're replacing it with a spray pad. One of the advantages of a spray pad is you don't require a waiting pool attendant, as you've probably heard this year, a lot of our pools were unable to open because we cannot find enough staff."

City Council approved funding for the project through the COVID-19 Economic Response and Recovery Plan. $906,000 was provided through the federal Canada Community-Building Fund and $87,000 from the City of Winnipeg.

"The Bronx Park Community Centre is thrilled to be home to Winnipeg's next new splash pad," said Evan Comstock, President, Bronx Park Community Centre. "The idea of saying goodbye to our wading pool is made easier knowing the increased accessibility that a splash pad provides to our young people. Thank you to our Councillors Jeff Browaty and Jason Schreyer, the Government of Canada, along with the City of Winnipeg planners for all the work that went into making such a project a reality. So many more kids will have a place to play and cool down while families now too will have another destination right here in our growing community. We can't help but be excited for the endless hours of amusement to be enjoyed at Bronx Park's new splash pad."