North Bay’s splash pad has taken a big step toward becoming a reality later this year.
City council has given the go-ahead to buy splash pad-related equipment.
The splash pad will be located by the museum and mostly paid for by the Rotary Clubs of North Bay.
The city’s share is $52,000 which covers site preparation costs and that includes the underground infrastructure to feed the splash pad with water.
Rotary will cover the balance of the cost which is $650,000.
North Bay council held a special meeting today to deal with the splash pad and councillor Dave Mendicino says the purpose was so that the specialized equipment can be ordered and ready for installation when the snow disappears.
Mendicino remains hopeful the 6,000 square foot facility can open by July, but if not, it will definitely be open by the end of summer.
Mendicino gave kudos to Rotary for championing the project which is officially known as The Family of Rotary Splash Pad Project.
“With the demands in our capital budget and infrastructure that we need like the community centre, Casselholme and Cassells Street, I could not see us doing this project this summer if it weren’t for Rotary,” Mendicino said.
Friday’s meeting dealt with council approving a motion to spend nearly $180,800 on equipment from ABC Equipment so that it’s in the city’s hands sooner than later.
Mendicino says having the splash pad by the museum fits in well with the city’s masterplan for the waterfront and should help downtown businesses.
“We know there’s a big demand for the splash pad and citizens have asked for it for years,” he said.
“It will attract people to the downtown and waterfront. This is a big step in that direction because it’s going to create traffic volume downtown and for the waterfront.”
