All splash pads across the Municipality of Chatham-Kent will soon be operating on the same schedule.
Chatham-Kent council approved a plan Monday night that would have all splash pads operated by the municipality open for sixteen weeks each summer.
The move comes after a motion by Councillor Brock McGregor in April 2023 to review the opening and closing dates of the splash pads to maximize their use.
All nine splash pads, with the exception of the ones in Dresden, Ridgetown, and Thamesville have historically been open less than 16 weeks.
Current splash pad operating seasons range from thirteen to sixteen weeks each summer depending on location.
The extra weeks will cost the municipality an additional $22,323 each year.
Blenheim and Merlin also have splash pads, however, they are not operated by the municipality.
"There has never been a consistent operating season for all splash pads in Chatham-Kent. The discrepancy in operating dates is the result of both historical demand and the scheduling of staff resources by each local supervisor necessary to perform the seasonal opening and closing procedure," said Chatham-Kent's Manager of Parks and Recreation Ian Clark. "Communicating consistent operating seasons for all splash pads will benefit the public’s knowledge of when they are available for use, as well as make access to splash pads more equitable across communities."
The plan for 2024 is to open the splash pads prior to Victoria Day long weekend and close after Labour Day long weekend, weather permitting.