THUNDER BAY - Summer weather couldn’t come fast enough for Noah Bertoni.
The youngster was one of hundreds of children taking advantage of temperatures in the 30 C range on Monday, cooling off in the Prince Arthur’s Landing splash pad.
It’s about time, he said.
“I’m excited for this weather because it’s a beautiful day at the splash pad. The water is pretty cold, but actually nice for a really warm day.”
His mother, Stephanie Bertoni, said it’s great to finally have some nice weather to enjoy during summer vacation.
“To actually not have to wear a sweater is kind of nice. We haven’t really got to do much outdoors and we’re looking forward to going camping,” she said, keeping an eye out on Noah’s brother Lucas, who had no time for media interviews, the water beckoning at the two-year-old splash pad.
Kathy Ball, the city’s operations co-ordinator at Marina Park, said cooler-than-normal temperatures this summer have had an impact on the number of people using the splash pad this year.
In 2012, when the splash pad opened, about 25,000 used it that summer. A year later the numbers dropped slightly, which Ball attributed to cooler weather last July.
This year, to date, about 9,500 people have stopped by for a splash.
Seeing so many residents out using the facility is why it was built in the first place, Ball said.
“Now that summer’s here, we’re thrilled to have all the people down here. The splash pad is full or next to full. Lots of community groups are coming down to use the facilities. Lake Superior Day yesterday was a great success down here. It’s great to see the place come alive with all the people here,” she said.
But will the weather last?
Although Environment Canada issued a heat warning, with the humidex number about to cross the 40 C threshold, rain is in the forecast for Tuesday in Thunder Bay, with temperatures dropping to the low 20s.
“This is basically just a one-day wonder,” said Environment Canada meteorologist Geoff Coulson.
Still, he said the public needs to be aware of what the high temperatures can do.
“You probably want to take care and make sure you do stay hydrated on a day like today,” he said in a phone interview with CKPR radio.
