New Châteauguay splash pads
The new water features at Vincent Park were designed under the concept of “pirates”. (Photo : Archives)
Local kids now have more spaces where they can cool off this summer. The City of Châteauguay financed the construction of new splash pads at four parks, a project worth $ 2.7 million.
The water play areas developed by the Vortex company have different themes. The new installations at Alfred-Dorais Park were designed with a “nature” concept, and those at Vincent Park, under a “pirates” theme. At Elmridge Park, the water play area was inspired by a nautical style, while the one at Georges-Étienne-Cartier evokes medieval times. The layout design at Philipe-Bonneau Park is inspired by shapes and colors. It also features a luminous wall.
“The current council has determined that revitalizing our parks is an urgent matter,” Châteauguay Mayor Pierre-Paul Routhier stated at the July 16 inauguration. “This is a major investment that council decided to make. We used much of the surplus that we have been accumulating since we were elected in 2017.”
The City installed a total of 20 ground water sprays at the four parks, as well as 10 above-ground structures, five mini mats and just as many moving components. Two arches, a misting system and a drinking fountain were also built.
Accessible playing areas
In addition, each splash pad is accessible to people in wheelchairs by means of a 10-foot-wide paved corridor, explained Nicholas Bleau, head of the City’s Sports and Outdoors Division. The George-Étienne-Quartier, Vincent and Concord parks also have picnic tables that sit on a concrete surface, providing room to maneuver.
The Municipality plans to build sanitary facilities at the Elmridge and Vincent parks, so people have a place to change. The Alfred-Dorais and Philippe-Bonneau parks already have washrooms.
“Because of the pandemic, there is a building materials shortage. Also, contractors are overloaded with work,” Bleau said. “The tendering process is underway. So, it's going to be a matter of time before we can install them.” In the meantime, porta-potties are available to park goers.
New playgrounds
During the inauguration, the Municipality also introduced its new playgrounds installed at the Concord, Georges-Étienne-Cartier and Vincent parks. The project, which cost around $ 1 million, has an area for children aged 18 months to 5 years, and another for children between 5 and 12 years of age.
The new playground at Vincent park. (Photo : Paula Dayan-Perez)