Long-awaited Splash Pad now showering Fredericton with new, fun activity

After much anticipation the city of Fredericton finally has the perfect place for kids to cool off.

The Wilmot Park Splash Pad’s grand opening took place Wednesday morning, bringing a unique new twist to an area that’s long been the go-to spot for Frederictonians looking to beat the heat.

The project is possible thanks to a partnership between the city, the province, and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) under the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program.

Funding is being split three ways with the city of Fredericton investing $825,000, the provincial government contributing $350,000 and ACOA coming through with a grant worth $131,733.

The Splash Pad replaces a wading pool that was built nearly 50 years ago which replaced a similar pool built 100 years prior.

“My mother came here, she brought us here, I brought my children here and I can’t wait to bring my grandchildren here,” said Families and Children Minister Stephen Horsman.

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Fredericton Mayor Mike O’Brien said when the city originally suggested a revamped wading pool local kids weighed in on what they’d rather have instead.

“When we went with an idea with a bit of a wading pool concept with some water features the kids said ‘no, no, no, this is what we want,” explained O’Brien.

The Splash Pad will remain open everyday until September 18 at which time it will reduce to opening on weekends only until Thanksgiving.