Hub Staff

Following the decision to award the contract for both the Port Elgin and Southampton splash pads to ABC Recreation Ltd. at the February 27 Committee of the Whole meeting, opening ceremony dates have been selected with plans for ground breaking ceremonies currently underway.

See: Contract to construct two splash pads awarded

ABC Recreation Ltd. was unanimously agreed as the preferred contractor by a panel of splash pad representatives, an Accessibility Committee representative and members of staff.

“It is very exciting to be nearing the point of construction,” said Greg Lancaster, Facilities Manager for the Town of Saugeen Shores. “The technical experience that ABC brings is outstanding; a combined 30 years of splash pad experience between the service technicians, an in-house crew, and post-construction final commissioning, winterization and spring start-up training.”

From a March 14 media release, their work can be seen and visited throughout the province, including Kelso Beach Park in Owen Sound, Bluewater Park in Wiarton and Lewis Park in Ripley with a total of over 500 splash pads installed through Ontario and Atlantic Canada.

Official opening ceremonies are planned for June 29 in Port Elgin and July 28 in Southampton with plans for ground breaking ceremonies for both sites currently underway.

“We were incredibly pleased with the design, expertise and experience that ABC Recreation provided,” said Jayne Jagelewski, Director of Community Services for the Town of Saugeen Shores. “The individual splash pad designs complement the surrounding landscapes and will create inclusive and accessible facilities for all ages to enjoy for many years.”

Both the Port Elgin Lions Club Splashpad Committee and the Southampton Rotary Club are expected to achieve their fundraising goals with $362,000 being the target for Port Elgin and $150,000 for Southampton.

“It is a unique experience as we begin to see our dream come to reality,” said Amy Shute, Port Elgin Lions Club Splashpad Committee. “Many hours of hard work and dedication from our committee members and community volunteers have made this vision come to life and I thank them for their support.”

The construction of both splash pads supports the Town’s 2016 Recreation Master Plan.