Grand Opening of Splash Pad at the Onaping Community Centre

Residents celebrated the grand opening of a splash pad at the Onaping Community Centre today. The Onaping Splash Pad is the 14^th water play structure to open in the City of Greater Sudbury, providing families in the area with yet another reason to visit their community social hub.

“The Onaping community splash pad is a true example of local partnerships at its best,” said Nickel Belt MP Marc Serré. “This initiative demonstrates that with the collaboration of municipal and federal governments, along with the dedication and hard work of volunteers, we can achieve positive results for Nickel Belt and Greater Sudbury. Recreational facilities like the Onaping community splash pad play an integral part in the social, cultural and economic fabric of rural communities like ours and will have a lasting impact for residents of all ages and the generations to come.”

The new splash pad is part of a $99,000 Federal Economic Development Initiative announced by Serré in June, 2017 under the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program. The City of Greater Sudbury contributed $120,000 in capital costs and the Onaping Falls Recreation Committee raised $17,500 through public events and sponsorships. Additional funds were raised by the group for the purchase of park benches and picnic tables.

“The Onaping Community Centre is an important community hub for the residents of Onaping, Levack and Dowling and the addition of this new splash pad is a great example of Council's Strategic Plan to ensure that recreation is made accessible to families and youth,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger. “I want to thank FedNor, the Onaping Falls Recreation Committee and everyone who provided support towards this wonderful new splash pad."

Ward 3 Councillor Gerry Montpellier noted that residents of Onaping, Levack and Dowling are surrounded by water but lakes and rivers are not always easily accessible.

 “The Onaping Splash Pad is safe for children and is within walking, biking or a short driving distance,” he added. “It’s a great enhancement to the Onaping Community Centre which already houses our local library, pool, youth centre, choir, food bank, community closet and many other invaluable programs and services for residents.”

The Onaping Falls Recreation Committee hosted the grand opening on August 15. The committee has been working for more than four years to raise funds for amenities at the splash pad, including the purchase of memorial benches and picnic tables.

“The Onaping Splash Pad is an amazing addition to our community centre,” said Carolyn Morin, Chair of the Onaping Falls Recreation Committee. “The splash pad will ensure that the Onaping Community Centre remains a hub of our little town, providing a free and safe place for families to socialize and spend time together, while engaging in healthy activities.”

The Onaping Splash Pad is open seven days a week between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. until September 24, weather permitting. Information about additional splash pads in the City of Greater Sudbury is available at www.greatersudbury.ca/splashpads.

-30-