New splashpad officially open at Kingston East Community Centre

Those in Kingston’s east end now have a place for kids – and kids at heart – to cool down and make a splash over the hot summer months.

On Thursday, Jun. 16, 2022, Mayor Bryan Paterson and Councillor Ryan Boehme, who represents the Pittsburgh District of Kingston, were joined by members of City of Kingston staff and the Pittsburgh Community Benefit Fund members at the new Kingston East Community Centre. Having opened its doors to the community earlier this year, those from the City and the district gathered Thursday for a different type of ribbon cutting ceremony – this time, officially opening the brand new splashpad facility at the Community Centre.

“Thanks to input and financial support provided by the Pittsburgh Community Benefit Fund the site is now home to a fully-accessible splashpad,” the City of Kingston said in a press release.

Members of the Pittsburgh Community Benefit Fund donated $300,000 to help see the splashpad project come to fruition. According to the City, the Pittsburgh Community Benefit Fund Projects Grant supports projects in Kingston’s east end which “develop and foster community spirit; promotes organized athletics, arts, recreation, civil emergency, social service and other community endeavours; promotes, develops and operates educational, recreational, and athletic facilities and equipment within the community; and undertakes other such complimentary purposes consistent with these objectives.”

“The Pittsburgh Community Benefit Fund is proud to partner with the City of Kingston to present our community with a fabulous recreational addition. The splashpad will be enjoyed by young and old. Bring on the summer!” said Amanda Milliken, President of the Pittsburgh Community Benefit Fund.

The splashpad, which is the tenth splashpad in Kingston, according to the City, has a kite theme and was designed to “complement the wide-open space in neighbouring Grenadier Park,” the City of Kingston said. The splashpad was designed and installed by ABC Recreation in consultation with VG Architects, with overall site construction provided by M. Sullivan and Son Ltd. Construction.

The new splashpad, which will be more than welcomed by those in the east end in the heat and humidity of Kingston summers that is now upon us, is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Find out more about the amenities and programs available at the new east-end facility on the City’s Kingston East Community Centre webpage.

Correction: An earlier version of this article also featured photos from the Rideau Heights Community Centre splashpad, located on McCauley Street. We regret any confusion this may have caused.