When the summer sun starts bearing down, splash pads are a fun and entertaining way for kids (and parents!) to cool off outdoors. Beyond offering interactive and exciting water features, neighbourhood splash pads are free to use and open to everyone.
One of our family’s favourites is the animal- and nature-themed splash pad at Lake Road Park in D.D.O. Packed with water features, it’s a great space to lounge on a hot day.
The large water area is on a colourful and fun poured-in-place rubber base with different sections for various ages. For those who want to chill out after splashing, there are nearby lounge chairs and benches, picnic tables, and a shade structure over more tables.
The highlight here is the huge shriek-inducing Supersplash that periodically tips over a bucket of water on the kids below. There are also water cannons, ground jets and sprays, a tall giraffe and dripping leaves, and the slightest stream through the middle as the water heads to the drain. Perfect for stomping through.
In the toddler area is the adorable and interactive “stones”, which you can jump on, or tentatively poke to watch the sprays bubble or shoot up. So cute! There’s also a gentle butterfly, a cute frog, and the spinning ball to try and spray your friends with.
For kids wanting to play or go on a swing, the playground is on the other side of the park, close to Lake Road, and not really in eyesight of the water area. So, you’ll need to pack up your belongings and head over there once they’re done splashing.
THINGS TO NOTE:
Location: Corner of Lake Rd. and Hemingway St., D.D.O.
Splash pad hours: Daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Bathrooms: Available in the park chalet from Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Parking: A lot is located off Hemingway Rd.
All photos by Christine Latreille
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