New spray pad now open at Hamilton park

With hot temperatures in the forecast for the weekend, Hamilton kids have a new place to cool off. 

Today, the city announced that it recently partnered with Hamilton Centre MPP Sarah Jama to unveil a new spray pad at Eastwood Park.

The city said in a news release that the spray pad was funded by a $500,000 grant from the Ontario government. 

“Spray pads function as community hubs all summer long – allowing youth and people of all ages to cool down, connect with neighbours, and find entertainment while school is out,” Jama said in a statement.

“Our team has seen how well-used local spray pads are and we’re grateful that the City of Hamilton received this grant from OTF. I’m hearing a lot of Hamiltonians share about their struggles with childcare and inadequate cooling in their homes – I hope a fun and revitalized spray pad, in tandem with the Supie program, will be an encouragement to youth and caregivers for many years to come.”

The newly opened spray pad replaces a previous structure with new concrete and spray features. It’s situated in the six-hectare Eastwood Park, which is located at the north end of central Hamilton. The park also features softball and soccer fields, a basketball court, a multi-purpose court, an accessible play structure, and a sun shelter/washroom/changeroom facility. 

The spray pad boasts an aquatic theme and features an upright tree, aquatic creature spray rings, a boat wheel, ground jets and coloured concrete paving. 

In a news release, the city said the new spray pad, which was also partially funded by the municipality, supports Hamilton’s “Supie” program. The long-running initiative offers free summer drop-in programs for children at neighbourhood park locations across the city. 

Programming varies depending on the participants and the weather and may include active games, crafts, circle games, or the use of equipment/supplies.

“I am thrilled to see this project come to life as we head into the hot summer months,” said Mayor Andrea Horwath in a statement. 

“Thanks to provincial support and funding through the Ontario Trillium Foundation, this vibrant new spray pad at Eastwood Park will keep Hamilton’s youngest residents active and smiling all summer long.”

Spray pads are free to use and are open until early September.