White Rock's Generations Playground will soon have a new splash pad water feature, hopefully open in time for this fall.
City council approved moving ahead with construction for the Splash Pad during the March 31 meeting, awarding the contract to GPM Civil Contracting Inc. for $1,150,000.
At an April 24 event to mark community donations that have helped spur the project, city engineering and municipal operations director Jim Gordon said work will begin at the playground at Centennial Park (14600 North Bluff Rd.) on April 28.
"We're planning on it being substantially complete by the end of August," he said.
"We're hoping to have it in operation for at least a couple of months of fall."
Mayor Megan Knight and council members Michele Partridge, Elaine Cheung and Christopher Trevelyan were there to accept donations to the project from two community partners: the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation ($100,000) and the White Rock Firefighters Charity Association ($119,500).
"These are not just contributions to the project, but investments in the well-being of the community," Knight said.
Myra Merkal, who, together with the Firefighters' charity association, raised money through Princess Parties for eight years for an all-abilities playground – which ultimately became the Generations Playground – said she was really excited to see the splash pad added to amenities at the site.
"It's a real thrill every time I pass by and see children in the park," she said.
Captain Evan Bird of the Firefighters, who hasalso been involved in long-term fundraising for an all-abilities playground, said the splash pad would provide "a perfect complement" to the playground.
Peace Arch Hospital Foundation's CEO, Stephanie Beck, noted the foundation's contribution had been made possible by a trust established by Denis and Yvonne Blakely.
"They shared a love of children and wanted to make a lasting legacy to the community," she said, adding that the splash pad fits with the foundation's vision to foster a healthy community by raising awareness and promoting activity.
"This will inspire people of all ages and abilities to stay active," she said.
