THUNDER BAY – The city will be taking another look at where to locate future splash pads.
Thunder Bay city council on Monday night unanimously directed administration to study potential priority areas for new splash pads based on demographics and neighbourhood need, an update on the previous assessment that was done about a decade earlier.
The city’s current plan would have a splash pad installed at the Northwood Playfield on James Street in 2019, followed by additional sites at Carrick Park and Heath Park by 2023. Splash pads have been constructed at Marina Park, County Park, Franklin Street and most recently this year at the North End Community Centre.
Jumbo Gardens resident Dino Favuzzi gave a deputation to council, requesting a facility be located in the neighbourhood.
Favuzzi said the residents in the area have to travel across the highway to access aquatic facilities.
“It seems like people who purchase homes in the area either have intent to raise a family or have established a family,” Favuzzi said. “It seems like we’re urged to leave our area to enjoy our family and I’m hoping with this in place we can enjoy the benefit of a recreational centre in our area.”
The neighbourhood currently has outdoor rinks, soccer fields and a “dated” playground, Favuzzi added.
Coun. Trevor Giertuga, who represents the McIntyre ward which encompasses the neighbourhood, said demographics have shifted across the city since the list was developed.
“We just don’t have the facilities there that we should have,” Giertuga said. “If the report comes back and says it’s not the priority, then we need to deal with that. I think we need to have some updated information.”
City parks and open spaces manager Cory Halvorsen said he thought this would be a suitable time to conduct a review.
Coun. Linda Rydholm stressed for the review to examine all areas of the city, rather than just Jumbo Gardens.
“It may turn out the three sites that have already been decided will continue to be the next three sites,” Rydholm said. “I am concerned that we need to stay current with the current population, wherever they are, because six years ago we decided we would build a splash pad somewhere but after 10 years lots of things can change.”
Coun. Andrew Foulds, who saw the North End splash pad installed in his Current River ward earlier this year after waiting nearly 10 years, was concerned about taking away promised infrastructure from other areas of the city.
“Those neighbourhoods have been delayed as well. There has been some anticipation from those neighbourhoods, and some expectation, that a splash pad is coming their way,” Foulds said.
“I’m willing to accept that demographics have changed but that doesn’t mean they won’t circle around at some point in time as well.”
