Actons Splash Pad!

We get invited to a variety of events. Sometimes it is a new shop keeper or owner who has asked us to come out and bring greetings and well wishes as they embark on a new venture. Sometimes it is a innovative company like Zuraw technologies that is creating Bio Fuels from old waste oils. Sometimes it is new trails and other town initiatives.

Yersterday was a special day as we open and celebrate the new Acton Splash Pad. The Splash Pad is located in prospect Park and over looks Fairy Lake. A fish theme is being used with a giant fish overhead, 3 bobbers that have nozzles and a fishing pole.

The Geng Family that has owned Superior Gloves in Acton for many years have very generously donated to the building and it will bear the name “Superior Glove Splash Pad.” Dufferin Aggregates generously donated to it as well. This helps defray the cost for it which was over $500,000.


I had raised the idea of a Splash Pad in Acton almost 10 years ago and had a resolution passed by Council asking staff to look into one. In 2007 Mayor Rick and I along with Councillor Fogal sat on the Recreation and Parks Strategic Action Plan which confirmed the need for a Splash Pad to replace the wading pool that was on the site.
At the public open house last year, we looked at a variety of options, from keeping the wading pool, to incorporating the splash pad into the pool to a stand alone splash pad. In the end the option of a stand alone splash pad was decided. Especially in light of the age and over all condition of the wading pool.
The wading pool was opened in Acton as a centennial project and each year was requiring more maintenance and had reached well past it expected life span. A Splash Pad will provide over 1,000 hours of availability in the summer for relief from the heat, compared to just over 100 for the wading pool.


The opening ceremonies today were a lot of fun and everyone had a great time. What a crowd… The kids were waiting until the water flowed and finally Terry Alyman the Rec and Park Director for the town had to say “What are you waiting for?” A couple of hundred kids swarmed the pad and started playing having a grand time.

What a blast…