It was all smiles on the east side of Skaha Lake Park in Penticton on Wednesday as families gathered to cool down from the summer heat and enjoy a brand-new splash pad.
Although the upgrade project was deemed complete in May, elected officials and other community leaders held an opening ceremony at the facility on July 16.
The new-look splash pad is a $1.2 million project that included close to $800,000 in combined funding from the federal and provincial governments. It was developed in conjunction with the En香蕉视频直播檕wkin Centre and also received a $151,475 contribution from the Rotary Club of Penticton.
"We really appreciate the level of collaboration that's gone on between different community groups, leaders and levels of government in bringing this project together," Penticton Mayor Julius Bloomfield said.
Bloomfield was joined Wednesday by Similkameen-South Okanagan-West Kootenay MP Helena Konanz, Penticton-Summerland MLA Amelia Boultbee, Penticton City Coun. Isaac Gilbert as well as members from the Rotary Club of Penticton and Penticton Indian Band.
Construction on the project broke ground in November 2024.
The facility features new landscaping, a seating wall and misting station. Park-goers will also notice animal-themed spray cannons and a water-dumping bucket.
"It's about bringing everybody together, so that we can meet, enjoy ourselves, enjoy the land, enjoy the water and enjoy the place we live and share," Bloomfield said.
Anthony Haddad, city manager, also gave special thanks the Rotary Club of Penticton for its contribution.
"This is another shining example of the work that Rotary Club does for our community," Haddad said.
