Just in time for the first day of summer (and the first heat wave), the City of Peterborough has now opened all five of its splash pads.
Open daily from noon until 7 p.m., the splash pads are located at King Edward Park (455 George St. S.), Nicholls Oval (725 Armour Rd.), Roger’s Cove (131 Maria St.), Kinsmen Park (1 Kinsmen Way, at Sherbrooke St. and Clonsilla Ave.), and Barnardo Park (Barnardo Ave. north of Sunset Blvd.).
People are encouraged to follow public health guidelines when using the water play structures.
The city opened the splash pads for the season after discussions with Peterborough Public Health on safe operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Splash pads should be considered a “hands-free zone”. Signage is posted at the splash pads to provide guidance on recommended public health measures, including:
- Where there are buttons to activate water features, people should use their elbows or feet to push the buttons, depending on the height, instead of their hands.
- Maintain physical distancing of at least two metres from other people who are not from the same household or designated social circle.
- Bring hand sanitizer and use it frequently. Avoid touching your face.
- Water play features in the splash pads that require gripping, such as water cannons, have been disabled or removed in order to encourage a hands-free environment.
“Peterborough Public Health and the city’s public works team worked quickly on opening our splash pads as another option for some relief during the heat,” says city councillor Lesley Parnell, chair of the arenas, parks, and recreation portfolio. “Please follow precautions. Play safe. Stay cool. Enjoy,”
