Ford government to allow splash pads to open as of Saturday

Toronto.Citynews.ca
May 25, 2021

The pleas of several Ontario mayors have been heard when it comes to allowing splash pads to reopen this weekend.

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson lead the charge, calling on people to let provincial legislators know they want to see the amenities greenlit to open this weekend, as temperatures begin to soar in southern Ontario.

“Please reconsider your decision to not allow splash-pads to open at the same time as other outdoor activities like golf and basketball. It’s going to be over 30 degrees this long weekend. Please RT and email your MPP,” Watson tweeted at Ford after the plan was released.

His push was also supported by the mayor’s of Brampton and Mississauga.

“With temps in the high 20s now, I hope the province will permit splash pads to open this long weekend. Outdoor activities are low risk. It’s also an equity issue for families who don’t have their own backyards,” Patrick Brown tweeted.

Under Premier Doug Ford’s newly released COVID-19 reopening plan, golf courses, tennis courts, skateboarding parks and other recreational amenities were set to open starting Saturday.

But splash pads were set to remain closed until at least June 14, which is when Ontario is set to relax more restrictions on outdoor activities.

Late Friday afternoon, the province announced that splash/spray pads would be allowed to open.

“Recognizing that splash/spray pads, like other outdoor recreational amenities, can be safely enjoyed, we have amended the regulation to align splash pads/spray pads with other outdoor recreational amenities,” it said in a brief statement.