Alfred's Spray Park is already a big hit. (Alison Sandstrom/paNOW Staff)

By Alison Sandstrom

Splashy addition

State-of-the-art splash zone opens at Lions Park

Jul 22, 2020 | 5:09 PM

Just in time for some serious summer heat expected this week, Prince Albert’s newest spray park has opened at Lions Park.

The $160,000 transformation of an existing West Flat splash zone was funded by local businessman Malcolm Jenkins who contributed $100,000, and the City of P.A. that covered the rest. Six new interactive elements have been added, including a Mega Soaker that dumps 40 gallons of water on anyone brave enough to stand below it.

Alfred’s Spray Park is the first in a $1 million trio of recreation upgrades to be opened this year to mark Jenkins’ 30th year of owning the local Canadian Tire store. It’s also the second facility in the city to bear his father, Alfred Jenkins’ name.

Jenkins explained by investing in community amenities, he’s doing the things his father would have done if he had had the means.

Fun for all ages: Ward councillor Charlene Miller (left) and Malcolm Jenkins (centre) press a button activating a jet of water behind Mayor Greg Dionne. (Alison Sandstrom/paNOW Staff)

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“The example he set for me… he just worked his whole life with a smile on his face,” Jenkins said.

“This in some small way – it’s doing great things for great kids – but on his behalf, because he would have done it if he were here.”

Dawn Robins, Executive Director of the West Flat Citizen’s Group, which operates out of the neighbouring Bernice Sayese Centre, attended the spray park opening with four of her grandchildren, aged four to nine.

“They love it,” she said. “They live down here so they’re going to be able to use it quite often.”

Robins thanked Jenkins, the City, and the community who came together to support the project by shopping at Canadian Tire.

“A lot of us have the benefits of going out to the lake,” she said. “But having something directly in our community for the kids that don’t have those things is perfect for the West Flat.”

The park’s six interactive components including a mega soaker dubbed “The Big Splash” are a great way to beat the heat. (Alison Sandstrom/paNOW Staff)

Alfred’s Spray Park will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Like all city spray parks it is free to attend. Users are reminded to maintain distance and good hand hygiene, along with taking other precautions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

In other Lions Park developments, Parks Manager Tim Yeaman said construction on a new playground announced earlier this year is expected to start the first or second week of August.

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alison.sandstrom@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alisandstrom