Potential Brantford locations for new splash pads identified in report

City staff have identified 17 potential locations for construction of new splash pads over the next decade.

In March, Coun. Michael Sullivan received unanimous support for a resolution directing city staff to look into “appropriate and accessible” locations for neighborhood splash pads in all wards.

“Coming out of COVID, it’s an extra $100 to $150 a month in the summer to have air conditioning,” said Sullivan at the time. “Some of these areas just can’t afford that. I think it’s vital we give them places where they can cool.”

There are currently six splash pads in Brantford. The report said adding another 17 locations would have a capital cost of about $12.7 million spread over 15 years.

Mayor Kevin Davis said new splash pads will expand the use of the parks and better distribute the cooling areas across the city.

The splash pad expansion program recommended by city staff will be included in the city’s 10-year capital plan, which will be brought forward during the 2024-2027 multi-year budget deliberations and in subsequent capital budgets where installation is recommended for 2028 and beyond.

The report said access to transit, local demographics, park configurations and geographic distribution were factors considered when selecting recommended splash pad locations.

The city has three categories of splash pads – small, which cost about $475,000 to $500,000; medium ($600,000 to $650,000) and large ($1.3 million to $1.5 million).

Existing and potential splash pad locations include:

• Ward 1: A large splash pad opened at Anderson Road Park in 2022 and a large pad is planned at the Southwest Community Park, scheduled for a construction start in 2024, with park amenities put in place in 2025. Other parks identified as potential splash pad locations are Princess Ann Park (small or medium, 2024), Brooklyn Park/Lions Park (medium or large, 2026-2028), and Hickory Park (small or medium, 2029 or beyond).
• Ward 2: There are currently no splash pads in the ward. Parks identified as potential locations are Robert Moore Park (small, 2024); one of the two new park areas to be incorporated into the new Nature’s Grand subdivision south of Oak Park Road (small, 2025); Homedale Park (medium or large, 2026-2028); Roswell Park (small, 2029 or beyond), Spring Gardens Park (small, 2029 or beyond).
• Ward 3: There are currently no splash pads in the ward. Parks identified as potential locations are Burnley Park (medium or large, 2026-2028); Brier Park (medium or large, 2026-2028); Tranquility Park (small, 2026-2028).
• Ward 4: There is one small splash pad at Bridle Path Park, which is recommended for an upgrade to a large facility in 2026-2028. Parks identified as potential locations are Andrew Pate Park (small, 2029 or beyond); Johnson Park (small or medium, 2029 or beyond).
• Ward 5: There are four existing splash pads in the ward at Mohawk Park, Harmony Square, Earl Haig Family Fun Park, and Tutela Park. Parks identified as potential locations include Charlie Ward Park (small, 2025); Bellview Park (small, 2026-2028); and Mohawk Park with the small splash pad upgraded to a large pad (2026-2028).