Tillsonburg Council Looking At Options On Local Waterpark

Saturday, 13 July 2019 08:48

The current waterpark is facing challenges on keeping the facility at a certain standard and a joint committee has recommended a splash pad in its place. The construction of a new splash pad would cost over $1,000,000, while the demolition of the waterpark would be close to $400,000.

TILLSONBURG - The future of Lake Lisgar's waterpark in Tillsonburg was discussed at a recent council meeting.

A joint committee suggested the waterpark be knocked down and replaced with a splash pad, after council asked staff to review their recommendations.

Deputy Mayor Dave Beres says a splash pad benefits the community.

"There's some residents in town that feel that a splash pad is needed because it's quite affordable to all families. And they've done some fundraising on their own, some people not with the town, but just people on their own have taken it forward and done some fundraising and they have some money set aside. And they would like to sit and talk to the Town about it as to what a good location would be."

He says the committee said there is a need for an aquatic program in Tillsonburg. The committee who brought this forward to council is made up of the Memorial Park revitalization advisory and recreation and sport advisory committees.

The current waterpark, which was built in 1996, is facing challenges on keeping the facility at a certain standard, including washrooms, water facilities and a snack bar.

The construction of a new splash pad would cost $1.4 million, while the demolition of the waterpark would be approximately $392,000.

The joint committee drafted its recommendations after meetings were held in the spring of this year. Among the options they suggested included a full refurbishment of the waterpark or to give it a new image.

Beres says there is a chance it may get refurbished, but they are waiting to hear back on all of the costs before making on a decision.

He says the splash pad would be a good investment.

"It would probably not be as big a drawing card as the waterpark is, but dollar for dollar it would be money well spent for the young people of the community today and into the future."

If a splash pad was approved, Beres says it could open by the spring of 2020.