In 2015 the Rotary Club of Southampton sought the community’s view on a project to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Founding of Canada and the Centennial of the Rotary Foundation.
 
A survey was undertaken by Students, at GC Huston Public School and opinions were sought from both the Southampton Residents Association and the Business Improvement Association. The results confirmed that a fully accessible splash pad was the preferred project to complement the existing accessible play space.
 
The Town of Saugeen Shores approved the project in July 2016 and the Club then undertook a systematic fund raising campaign plan for the $150,000 project. The campaign was so successful, that a number of upgrades ( e.g., larger pad, shelters, benches and picnic shelter refurbishment) were added with a final cost of around $250,000.
 
Engraved paver sales were a popular feature of the campaign, so much so, a ‘second wave’ of pavers was commissioned.
Working in partnership with the Town’s Parks and Recreation Department the fully accessible splash was completed in the summer of 2017. The pad was designed and built by A.B.C. Recreation Ltd and in recognition of its proximity to the Southmpton Fire Hall it adopted a “Fire Fighting Theme”.
 
To help sustainability, used water from the pad is collected in underground storage tanks and then re-used for the irrigation of the Park and the Bruce Power Sensory Garden. It is also used as a water source for the Town’s mobile landscape water tankers and to replenish the Town’s Fire Trucks. Any surplus is then discharged to the storm water drain system.
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