After waiting patiently all summer, children can now enjoy Petrolia's new splash pad at the YMCA.
Members of the Kiwanis Club of Petrolia and Area gathered to mark the completion of construction of the new amenity on Tank Street earlier this week.
President Nicole King is happy to see it up and running.
"It has been a huge project. Something that was needed for our community," King said. "We started our club five years ago during COVID and when we figured that our signature project for our club would be a splash pad in the Town of Petrolia, we were beyond stoked to get fundraising -- [and] work with the Town of Petrolia [which] has been fantastic -- and get one here in our community for the kids to enjoy."
King said they're still working to pay off the project.
"We're looking for more donors and sponsors," she said. "We have raised just over $60,000 now for our splash pad."
King said they're still looking to raise up to $90,000.
She said funds raised from the club's annual golf tournament, weekly meat raffles, and other events will be used to pay down the project.
King is thankful for the support received from the town, which moved soccer fields to accommodate the splash pad.
"They have a great playground already, back behind the YMCA. So, we just thought if we could combine [the amenity] into a splash pad as well, that would be a great spot. [There is] lots of parking, lots of area for people to lay out a blanket and have a picnic throughout the afternoon," King said.
A grand opening with the Town of Petrolia is planned on Tuesday, August 26 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
"There will be a barbecue, we will have free giveaways, we have t-shirts with our slogan 'Jump, Splash Play, The Kiwanis Way.' We will have Freezies, Gramma's Candy Store will be there with some candy. It should be a really fun event and we're hoping the community comes and enjoys it as much as we are going to," King said.
The splash pad is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
In April, the club was named the runner up in the Growing Home with BASF contest and received $10,000 for the $150,000 project.