Support for free splash pad in Tillsonburg
Article content
The recent heat wave experienced across southern Ontario had some Tillsonburg residents thinking of ways to cool off.
Jaslyn DeClercq a mother of three, was one of them.
“We’ve got the Seniors Centre that benefits the seniors, we’ve got the skate park that benefits some of the older kids and teens – all for free. So a splash pad would greatly benefit families and children of all ages,” said DeClercq.
Tillsonburg currently has no splash pads, free or otherwise, anywhere in Town. DeClercq pointed to other free splash pads in the area and throughout Oxford County, adding that there are several reasons why she and others choose to use them during the hot summer months.
“We frequent the ones in Woodstock, Norwich and Ingersoll already. I can’t use the (Tillsonburg) Water Park when I’m alone because it’s not safe for me to go by myself with these three kids,” she said referring to the fear of drowning. “The splash pads have a zero depth so I can sit in the shade with my three-month old and the kids can use the splash pad, enjoy the water and cool off,” she added. “It’s free of charge so we can go almost every day.”
While the popular Water Park in Tillsonburg is a great facility to have here noted DeClercq, when you have three young kids and want to cool off, the costs of using it daily can quickly add up.
“To use it every day in the heat wave like we just had - it’s not possible,” she said pointing to the fact that other splash pads in the area are well used and contribute to the community.
“I think it’ll help boost the Town’s economy too,” said DeClercq. “Usually when we go out, we go out for the entire day so we’re having lunch in Woodstock (Ingersoll or Norwich). That wouldn’t change even if we came here - it’s still a day out.”
In speaking with friends and other mothers of young children in Tillsonburg, DeClercq hopes to get the word out about the splash pad idea and one day make it a reality.
“Right now there’s a group on Facebook called Talk Tillsonburg – it’s a group of mom’s and other area residents,” she said. “We’re trying to get the numbers together for a poll to take to the Town to prove that it’s something that the residents want.
“It’s a group that talks about basically anything that we want to see get done in the Town.”
The splash pad idea has been floating around Tillsonburg for a while said DeClercq, but with the recent heat wave it sparked even greater interest amongst Tillsonburg residents.
One question that many may be asking is who would pay for the costs of operating a free splash pad in town.
“I believe the one in Ingersoll has been sponsored by the Optimists Club and I recently went on Strafford’s website because they’re building one right now and they’ve raised money from all local charities. They have a tiered structure where if you donate a certain amount you can get your name on a plaque,” explained DeClercq. “They really came together as a community to donate to it.”
DeClercq is hoping for the same kind of response and community support here in Tillsonburg.
“If we can get everybody to come together, I think it’s a completely doable project.”