7 things to know about Newmarket's soon-to-open first fully accessible splash pad

Yorkregion.com
July 12, 2021

Soft opening for harvest-themed pad next to Terry Fox Public School on July 13

The fence is still up this weekend, but on July 13, Newmarket will do a soft opening of the town’s first fully accessible splash pad.

The Dr. Margaret Arkinstall Splash Pad is on Sawmill Valley Drive, southwest of Mulock Drive and Yonge Street.

“This is a testing period so it is possible that we may need to close it from time to time to make adjustments,” Coun. Kelly Broome posted on Facebook.

“If all goes well, (you) can expect the splash pad to remain open for public use full-time for the balance of the summer.”

Here are seven things to know about the new splash pad:

• It is in Dr. Margaret Arkinstall Park, next door to Terry Fox Public School.

• The soft opening is scheduled for July 13 at 10 a.m.

• It is accessible, meaning people with a disability can enjoy safe water play in a similar way and with similar effort as those without a disability. It means people are empowered, can be independent and enjoy barrier-free fun for all.

• Work on the harvest-themed splash pad began in February 2020 and it will offer a soft water play surface, shade sails, furniture, connecting pathways and a picnic area surrounded by soft landscaping.

• It features half a giant strawberry with waterfall spray, apple carousel with touch activators and sprayers, two root vegetables, two carrots (one spinning), barn gate with water wall, ground-level pea pods with individual activators and sprayers, ground sprayers, a hay bale accessible water play wall and ground river with water manipulation toys and hand pump.

• The apple carousel is wide enough for wheelchairs, all surfaces are designed to be slip-resistant and Braille is included in the signage.

• The new splash pad is the latest one in Newmarket. Others included Riverwalk Commons on Doug Duncan Drive near Main and Water streets, Rogers Spray Pad at 170 London Rd. and Frank Stronach Spray Pad at 850 Memorial Cir., southwest of Mulock Drive and Leslie Street.