Skip to content

City officials test-drive Bellevue Park splash pad (4 photos)

All systems go for spring opening!

Water features at Sault Ste. Marie's splash pad have passed their first operational test, members of the city's parks and recreation advisory committee learned this week.

"Last week, they turned the water on and tested everything," reported Virginia McLeod, manager of recreation and culture.

"Everything was working nicely. Since then they've blown out all the lines and winterized," McLeod said.

Paved pathways have been installed at the venue.

Grass and other landscaping elements are in place, with gardens, picnic tables and umbrellas slated for spring installation. 

Sault Ste. Marie's first splash pad is expected to open in the spring.

The facility in Bellevue Park was manufactured by Waterplay Solutions of Kelowna, B.C., installed with help from local contractors.

Financial donors to the project included:

  • Subway restaurants
  • Mayor Provenzano's Youth Advisory Council
  • Citizen Albert Williams and his charity hockey tournament
  • Rotary Club of Sault Ste. Marie
  • Kiwanis Club of Lakeshore and Kiwanis Club of Lakeshore Foundation

In other news, parks and recreation advisory committee members were advised Tuesday that the city's bike-sharing pilot project is expected to make at least 60 bicycles available at at least six locations throughout the city.

"It could be either dockless or docking stations," said Brent Lamming, director of community services.

"We're looking for a bigger scale. We don't want to have a small initiative. We want to make sure there's economies of scale," Lamming said.

The city is currently accepting proposals from private-sector operators and a six-month pilot bike-sharing project is expected to start May 1, 2019.


What's next?


If you would like to apply to become a Verified reader Verified Commenter, please fill out this form.


Discussion


David Helwig

About the Author: David Helwig

David Helwig's journalism career spans seven decades beginning in the 1960s. His work has been recognized with national and international awards.
Read more