Calgary, AB,
20
July
2015
|
08:49
America/Denver

Variety Spray Park re-opens bigger and better while saving on water

The City of Calgary Parks made a big splash this weekend with the re-opening of South Glenmore Park’s newly redeveloped Variety Spray Park. The 13-year-old spray park underwent a $1.25 million facelift and has now been upgraded and improved to meet today’s health, safety and accessibility standards while conserving water.

“We redesigned the spray park to improve both water efficiency and the experience of park visitors,” said Greg Shymanski, Parks manager. “Families and kids of all ages will have fun cooling off and enjoying the brand new, nautical themed toys including a lazy river with moveable fish.”

The new spray pad is about the same size as the previous one, but is significantly more water efficient. The new pumping system has its own dedicated and enclosed water treatment system, with UV disinfection capabilities for added protection. This means that water is drained once at the end of the season instead of several times throughout.

South Glenmore Park is one of the most popular parks in the city, with over 2,500 visitors enjoying the spray park on a hot, sunny day.

The lifecycle upgrades and improvements to the spray park were made possible with funding from the Council-created Community Investment Fund (CIF). In 2011, CIF was created to help fund tangible and useful community improvements projects. Through CIF, Council gives back to Calgarians by investing in and supporting new community projects and critical lifecycle upgrades throughout the city.

Created by City Council on July 25, 2011, the community investment fund will invest $252 million from 2012 to 2016 into tangible and useful community improvements on things like libraries, recreation centres, swimming pools, arenas, athletic fields, parks, playgrounds and emergency services.