Waterloo Region splash pads reopening gradually following provincial decision

Splash pads have been opened back up From CTV Kitchener: The province quickly reversed its decision to keep splash pads closed as local ones are ready for this weekend.

Waterloo — Although the province has given the green light for splash pads to reopen Saturday, most in the Waterloo Region won't be ready to operate by then.

Officials with the City of Waterloo are eyeing a June 5 opening for splash pads.

"Our opening date remains scheduled for June 5 as we have some warranty maintenance work currently underway," city spokesperson Tony Iavarone said in an email Friday. "If the work can finish earlier we will open earlier."

In Kitchener, staff are working to open their locations at Breithaupt Park, Centreville Chicopee, Chandler Mowat, Doon Pioneer Park, and Kingsdale as soon as possible, and that they’re expected to be ready to go on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The city also expects to open their splash pads at McLennan Park, Victoria Park, and RBJ Schlegel Park next week.

The City of Cambridge says their plan is to open their splash pads by June 11, but that staff are looking to see if they can do so earlier.

While splash pads are staying closed for now, many other outdoor amenities in Waterloo are opening Saturday under the province's reopening strategy.

In a Friday release, the city confirmed basketball courts, tennis courts and the Waterloo skate park will all open come Saturday. Park shelters and facility rentals are not yet available.

Soccer fields, cricket pitches, baseball diamonds, volleyball courts and picnic shelters are also not yet available for bookings.

Residents are urged to practice physical distancing even when outdoors.

Public washrooms throughout Waterloo are also open and city staff created a map of washroom locations.

Outdoor gatherings have been expanded to five people as of Saturday.