The municipality of Ormstown has chosen a location and issued a call for tender for the installation of a splash pad in time for the return of warm weather next summer.
Mayor Christine McAleer says two locations were being considered near the recreation centre. Soil characterization tests were done at both sites, to ensure the land was not contaminated and suitable for this type of installation. Following this, the municipality selected the park right across the street from the recreation centre as the location for the splash pad.
“There is no record of anything having been filled on that part of the property. It came back that there was no contamination, so we are satisfied with that,” McAleer says, before adding that the soil will be tested again once crews begin the work to install the structure.
The mayor says the previous administration had secured a $100,000 grant based on a $300,000 splashpad project, but that costs have increased significantly since then. “We have been looking at different options,” she says, noting they have hired an engineer to help with this project and the other water-related issues facing the municipality.
“Because we are not in a position to waste water, we are going to need to have a system where the water is recirculated, like a pool,” says McAleer, who acknowledges this requirement adds to the total cost.
The municipality is now proposing to install the splash pad over two phases. “The first phase in the coming year will allow kids and citizens to have something in the park, but not a finished project,” McAleer explains. “It will be a start, and we will be able to add to it,” she adds, suggesting phase two of the project will likely be completed in 2026-2027.
The municipal council passed a resolution during its regular meeting on October 7, authorizing the administration to issue a call for tenders for the conception, purchase, and construction of the splash pad. The request for proposals was sent on November 18 for phase one to be completed by next summer.
The estimated budget for the complete project is $600,000, split evenly between the two phases. McAleer confirms the municipality will be applying for more grants to help finance the initiative.
Council meetings again on YouTube
More details about the upcoming municipal budget will be revealed during the December council meetings in Ormstown. McAleer says the meetings scheduled for December 9 and 11 will be broadcast simultaneously on YouTube.
Those watching from home can use the settings function in YouTube to activate subtitles, which can then be auto translated into a preferred language. This would allow English-speaking residents, for example, to better understand what is being presented.