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THE NEW TANNER THURSDAY, APRIL 16 2009 6 Splash pad to replace wading pool in park Cost factor in decison DOOMED: Actons aging wading pool, a delight for young swimmers over its half century of use, will be replaced by a splash pad. The pool was built by public subscription By Frances Niblock The Prospect Park wading pool will be replaced by a $426,000 splash pad. At its April 27 meeting, Town Council is expected to en- dorse a general committee resolution made last week to have staff proceed with detailed design and imple- mentation of the splash pad without the wading pool. Following a public meeting and on-line comments from the public, staff determined that replacing the aging wading pool with the splash pad is the right way to go. Of the 98 comments submitted to the Town, 50 per cent did not use the wading pool and 83 per cent had visited either the Gellert splash pad in Georgetown or the splash pad facility in Rockwood. Fifty- three per cent of respondents support replacing the wading pool with the splash pad since it would allow more open use and be more accessible to the community. The current standards for locating a splash pad include proximity to washrooms and parking, availability of shade, a community park context and proximity to a playground. A number of themes were raised during public dis- cussion of the splash pad, including locating it at the Acton arena/community cen- tre in Acton East, a proposal that was rejected by staff be- cause it would be difficult to find a large enough area to locate the splash pad near the parking, washrooms and playground given that there are future expansion plans for the arena and seniors centre. Staff said the splash pad could create potential user conflicts with the skateboard park and there were be added costs if the splash pad was built at the arena site because the wading pool would have to be re- placed or significant repairs would have to be made. Pool needs repairs In response to those who want a splash pad and wading pool, staff said the wading pool is need of major repairs and major capital investment to stay open and it isnt feas- ible to create a wading pool combined with a splash pad in the existing wading pool area because it is not large enough. In response to questions from Acton Councillor Mike OLeary, Warren Harris, the Towns Manager of Parks and Open Space, said that the wading pool was open for nine weeks per season, two hours daily for a total of 120 hours of use, In contrast, the splash pad would be open for 15 weeks from Victoria Day to Labour Day for 10 hours daily for a total of 1,050 hours of use. Noting that some Acton residents have an emotion- al attachment to the wading pool, Councillor OLeary asked Harris to explain how the wading pool has been used in the past few years. There was a significant decline (in use) from 2001 towards 2004 and then there was sort of a gradual move- ment back up, Harris said adding the increase could be attributed to the growth in east Acton. OLeary noted there were concerns about safety with the splash pad being proposed for the site of the current wading pool beside Fairy Lake. Har- ris said the issue would be looked at during the refined design planning stage, add- ing a low fence and plantings would be looked at. Harris said they are aware that there are concerns about the proximity of the splash pad to the track and will en- sure there is enough space around the pad so it doesnt interfere with the track which will be narrowed in the pad area. He also said that the splash pad would close after Labour Day, prior to the Acton Fall Fair in Prospect Park. Goose problem To deal with the significant problem of Canada Geese fouling the water and shore- line, Harris said the splash pad would be inspected daily to remove any public haz- ards including glass, debris and grass. He also said that hes naive enough to believe that the Town will be tak- ing other measures to deal with the geese as part of an ongoing Fairy Lake water quality study. Harris said the annual oper- ating costs for the splash pad and wading pool are fairly close at $20,000 each; its a different picture when you look at the per hour costs with the splash pad costing $19 per hour and the wading pool is $210 per hour. He said concerns raised that the water is too cold at the Gellert splash pad would not be an issue in Acton as the Gellert facility is a fresh water system and the Acton splash pad would be a recirculating water system which results in warmer water. Acton Councillor Jon Hurst asked about the disadvantage of fencing the splash pad and having a combined splash pad and wading pool. Harris said the Town is moving away from charging an entrance fee it costs $1 to use the wading pool in favour of having no fee, un- supervised facilities that are open to the public. Mayor Rick Bonnette also noted that some people have an emotional tie to the wading pool while others wanted the splash pad built in Acton East. Its important to put some- thing for the other end of Acton, the older part of Ac- ton, if you will, for the young families that live around the park, Bonnette said the an- alysis shows the splash pad will be used much more than the wading pool, and it will be free. The Town hopes to finalize the design plans to be ready to tender the project this fall. Links2Care Hats Off to Experienced Workers! Throughout the month of April, the Acton Employment Resource Centre spotlights the benefits and advantages of experienced workers with free information sessions featuring Lynn Clarke, from The Centre for Education and Trainings Experienced Worker Program. She will discuss job search strategies for people 45+, Friday, April 17 at 1pm. Have you considered working with Seniors? Visit us on Tuesday, April 21 at 12 noon for a light lunch and learn more about a career in Home Support from Links2Care Seniors Supervisor, Cora Parker. Space is limited for ses- sions so please register early. Our clients are discovering the power of networking come by for coffee on Friday mornings at 11am to enjoy informal discussions on job search strategies, the latest labour market news and professional networking at the Links2Networking Caf For more information please call Deirdre @ 519-853- 5014, drop in at 45 Mill Street East, Acton or visit us online at www.links2care.ca. *Book a Package, Cruise or Coach Tour by April 19, 2009 for travel between April 1 and October 31, 2009 and receive a $100 Sun Vacation Gift Certificate per person (adults only). Sun Vacation Gift Certificates are applicable on all Transat Holidays Sun Packages booked by October 31, 2009 for travel between November 1, 2009 and October 31, 2010 in the Transat Holidays 2009-2010 Sun brochure. Not applicable to Air Only. Sun Vacation Gift Certificates will be issued once final payment is received. Certificates may not be redeemed for cash or for travel during Christmas, New Years, Easter or Spring Break. 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