STRATFORD - It’s about to get cool and refreshing in Stratford.
The town’s new $150,000 splash pad is set to tentatively open on July 20.
The splash pad was approved for construction last year, and most of the installation took place last fall by local contractor Brumac.
The splash pad is located right next to the Stratford Town Hall.
Mayor David Dunphy said there is still a little bit of work to do before opening day.
“The only part that wasn’t done was the walkway from the parking lot and back to the town hall, (which) needed to be paved, so we’re just kind of waiting for paving before we can officially open it,’’ Dunphy said. “It’s quite busy in the paving business, so we’re just sort of waiting our turn.’’
The entire surrounding area of the splash pad was completed in the spring.
When all is said and done, the town hall area will be quite the hub of activity. The town hall itself has a gymnasium, the dog park is located right beside the splash pad, there are trails in the area and the skateboard park will be constructed just off Shakespeare Drive as well.
Dunphy has been promising a skateboard park since he was elected in 2010, so he’s relieved to see it finally coming to fruition.
“The footings are in there and we’re going to start pouring concrete next week. Hopefully by mid-August it will be complete.’’
Things like the splash pad and the skateboard park are designed to appeal to the town’s youth, giving families even more reasons to live in the community.
“I think the big thing with the splash pad is it’s more facilities for our young people. We don’t have an outdoor pool here. We have beaches at Tea Hill Park, but to have an area for young people in the summer time to play on a hot day is going to complement the town centre. This is becoming a hub; a gathering place for the town centre.’’
A splash pad was identified as something residents asked for in a recent resident’s survey, along with an expanded library and community gardens, both of which became a reality.
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