Splash pads in City of Peterborough parks open for the season today (Saturday, May 29), around three weeks earlier than normal.
The early opening may have been prompted by the need to give families at outlet outdoor activities, as well as by last week’s summer-like temperatures — although cold weather (including snow showers) returned yesterday.
Although Environment Canada issued a frost advisory on Friday night and expects to issue one for Saturday night as well, daytime temperatures will reach 18°C on Saturday and 19°C on Sunday, with temperatures climbing into the low to mid 20s next week.
The splash pads are located at King Edward Park (455 George St. S.), Nicholls Oval (725 Armour Rd.), Rogers Cove (131 Maria St.), Kinsmen Park (1 Kinsmen Way at Sherbrooke Street and Clonsilla Avenue), and Barnardo Park (Barnardo Avenue north of Sunset Boulevard).
The splash pads will be open daily over the summer from noon until 7 p.m.
People encouraged to follow public health guidelines when using the water play structures. Maintain physical distancing of at least two metres from people who are not from the same household. If the splash pad is crowded or busy, come back another time.
Water play features in the splash pads that require gripping, such as water cannons, have been turned off or removed. Where there are buttons to activate water features, people should use their elbows or feet (depending on the height) to push the buttons instead of their hands.
Signage is posted at the splash pads to provide guidance on the measures.