People looking to cool off from the heat of summer may have another place to do so in Langford by month’s end.
Construction on a new water park and playground is underway in Veteran’s Memorial Park that, when completed, will bring to five the total number in the municipality.
Other water parks were built at Glen Lake and Langford Lake earlier this year, at Centennial Park in 2013 and in the City Centre Park development in 2011.
“Mayor and council thought it would be nice to offer more recreation facilities,” said Mike Leskiw, Langford manager of parks and recreation. “(This gives) our kids another recreation avenue, so when it is hot outside they can run through the water park.”
The swing set previously on site will be relocated to a new park, while a truck that was there has been installed at Tommy Gordon Park.
“Some of the lakes are very busy and if you can’t go to a lake, you can go to a park in your neighbourhood and enjoy the water,” Leskiw said. “I think that the community will see more recreation opportunities that extend the use of the park through the summer and winter months.”
Phase one of the project, scheduled for end-of-August completion, is the spray park. It will feature interactive loops and spray heads where children can press a button to turn on various programmed water features. Phase two is a playground including an adventure climbing structure, among other equipment.
“I just think it is a really nice gem in the centre core, used by people coming into Langford and all residents in the downtown area,” Leskiw said.
“It’s nice to see Langford is doing more in parks and see children play in community parks.”
The city has budgeted $100,000 for the project this year and another $100,000 next year.
If there are efficiency savings to be had by completing both phases of the project simultaneously, the entire project could be completed this year, Leskiw said.
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