The City of Toronto is working to open splash pads, following the Province of Ontario’s announcement that these amenities can open effective Saturday, May 22.
Work is already underway to open splash pads and will continue into the evening and the coming days. The City anticipates opening more than 70 of 140 splash pad locations by Saturday, barring any mechanical issues. Remaining locations will be opened as soon as possible over the coming days.
The work involved in readying the splash pads for public use includes going to each location to set timers, turn on water, inspect each splash pad for safety and identify hazards as well as cleaning.
Staff continue to work closely with Toronto Public Health to ensure that residents can safely use the City’s outdoor recreational amenities, including splash pads. The City asks residents to remember while visiting a park, beach or public square to practice physical distancing and keep two metres (six feet) away from people who are not from the same household. Residents should not use a splash pad if feeling ill. When using a splash pad, residents should practice good hand hygiene and return at another time if the splash pad is crowded.
Splash pads operate daily from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and are activated through push-button features. Caregivers are reminded to supervise children closely as these water play areas are not supervised by City staff.
Quotes:
“Turning on the splash pads always brings so much joy for young people across Toronto and is an early sign of summer in the city. I want to thank all the City employees who are working to quickly open up outdoor amenities including as many splash pads as possible. I encourage all residents to get outside this weekend to safely enjoy the splash pads that have been activated and other outdoor amenities while respecting the public health advice.”
– Mayor John Tory
Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.