A newly opened splash pad at Centennial Park, intended to be a summer oasis for families, is closed until further notice after being vandalized over the weekend.
The closure has left many children, including seven-year-old Jules McNeill, preparing for Adventure Seekers Camp this week, deeply disappointed.
She had been looking at the camp schedule for days, excited that a “Cool Off at Splash Pad” was part of the first day (July 7) itinerary.
Jules' mother, Lisa, discovered the closure notice on Monday morning.
"I'm sure she won't be the only disappointed kiddo today," she lamented.
The vandalism, reported on the Brentwood Bay Facebook community page on July 5, detailed the damage: the activation button was reduced to a bare screw and two sprinklers were jammed with sticks.
Saanichton resident Mike Pal, who frequents the splash pad with his two-and-a-half-year-old son Haddon, expressed similar disappointment.
"It's his go-to happy place," Pal said. "I was initially frustrated but ultimately disappointed for all the children who use it daily. It was clearly a new staple of the community for families."
The $250,000 splash pad, opened on May 25 with support from the Central Saanich Lions Club, was designed to be a fun and accessible way for families to beat the summer heat.
"Our staff heard about the damage over the weekend and contacted the installer immediately. We are assessing whether damaged parts can be maintained or will need to be replaced, and we will have a solution shortly," district communications and engagement specialist Laurel McLeod said in a statement sent to Peninsula News Review.
The district is thankful to the community member who reported the incident and assured residents that the team is working quickly to have the necessary repairs made.
Residents are encouraged to contact the municipal yard at 250-544-4224 for 24-hour assistance.
