Building a Sustainable Splash Pad: A Community Success Story
Sustainable recreation projects are becoming increasingly important as communities look for ways to balance fun, accessibility, and environmental responsibility. The village of St. Peter’s in Nova Scotia had a vision of building an inclusive splash pad while prioritizing sustainability and long-term conservation.
We recently connected with Jennifer from the Village on the Canal Association, the team behind the project, to learn more about their experience bringing a sustainable splash pad to life, from fundraising and community support to choosing a water recirculation system.
What inspired your decision to add a splash pad to your community?
In our community of St. Peter’s, there were not a lot of options for summer recreational activities for cooling off on hot summer days. The nearest splash pad is a 30-minute drive away. We wanted to create a fun, inclusive summer space for everyone to enjoy!
How did sustainability factor into your planning and decision-making process?
It was so important for our community to consider a sustainable project as summers are becoming hotter and drier, and therefore water conservation has been a top priority. Learning that we could install a water recirculation system made the project more attractive to the community as there is very little water being wasted.
How important was it to choose equipment designed for long-term durability and reduced environmental impact?
It was extremely important to choose equipment designed for long-term durability and reduced environmental impact as in the past few summers, our village has had to follow a mandatory water conservation mandate. We wanted to make sure that the splash pad would not have to be shut down when this happens.
Coincidentally, it happened again last summer, but everyone was still able to cool off in the splash pad as there is no water wastage due to the water recirculation system.
The durability aspect of the splash pad was equally as important. We wanted to ensure that any of the features we included would hold up over all four seasons with minimal maintenance costs.
What advice would you give to other communities looking to invest in a sustainable splash pad?
Building a sustainable splash pad is a great investment! Splash pads are very low maintenance, low cost, inclusive, accessible summer fun for all. They promote fun, fitness, and family engagement, while also serving as a space for everybody, no matter your age or ability, to enjoy.
How have residents responded to the splash pad?
There has been a lot of excitement about the of the splash pad in our small village. There was tremendous support from our local businesses as well as individual support for the project. Families, as well as residents from our local long-term care facility, have been able to get out and enjoy the benefits of having this splash pad in our community.
How was your experience partnering with ABC Recreation for this project?
Partnering with ABC Recreation has been a wonderful experience. Christine Harvey was our local representative and was prompt to respond to any questions or concerns we had. Whether it was questions on the type of system that fit our project best or the types of features that would work for our space, Christine was very helpful in making our vision a reality!
Can you tell us about how you launched your fundraising campaign and any strategies?
Our community group, Village on the Canal Association (VOCA), applied for some grants and were successful in obtaining a significant grant from the Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage. Obtaining this grant enabled us to put our idea out to the public and launch our fundraising campaign to raise the remainder of funds needed for the project.
What tactics were most effective for rallying community involvement?
Our sponsorship letter was the most effective in rallying community involvement. We reached out to all the local and surrounding businesses with a sponsorship letter explaining our project and what level contributor they could be. The sponsorship levels included:
- Kraken Sponsor: $10,000
- Pirate Sponsor: $5,000
- Mermaid Sponsor: $2,500
- Lobster Sponsor: $1,000
- Starfish Sponsor: $500
All sponsors in these categories had their business logos displayed on the sponsorship sign located beside the splash pad building.
Did you find the sustainability aspect of the project helped encourage donations or support?
Absolutely! With warmer and drier summers, water conservation has been a top priority for our village. Residents’ concerns were eased when they found out we were putting in a water recirculation splash pad that would have very little impact on our water supply.
The St. Peter’s splash pad project is a great example of how thoughtful planning, strong community support, and sustainable recreation solutions can come together to create something meaningful. By prioritizing water conservation, durability, and accessibility, the Village on the Canal Association has created a space that residents of all ages can enjoy for years to come.
At ABC Recreation, we’re proud to help communities bring innovative and sustainable recreation projects to life. Whether you’re exploring splash pad options, fundraising ideas, or want to learn more about water recirculation systems, our team is here to help. Contact us today to get started.
