A new spray park opened today in Red Deer, sponsored by Red Deer resident and business owner, Woody Paylor. The new amenity is part of the G.H. Dawe Expansion Project, which is jointly funded by the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, and The City of Red Deer.
“I’m thrilled to announce the opening of Red Deer’s newest spray park,” said Mayor Ken Johnston. “This exciting amenity not only provides a fun-filled destination for people of all ages and experiences to come together and create memories, but it also fosters a sense of unity and joy for Red Deerians.”
Located in the northeast quadrant of the G.H. Dawe Community Centre site, Woody’s Spray Park is a fun, safe and accessible space available for everyone to enjoy. Visitors will notice a colourful, nature-themed design across multiple play zones, which includes the following features inspired by community consultation:
- Slip-resistant broom finish texture across the concrete surfaces to prevent slippery conditions
- A washroom/changeroom facility with six individual stalls containing a toilet, sink and bench. One accessible stall offers a baby change table.
- Two outdoor showers
- Water fountain and bottle filling station
- Concrete seating and picnic tables
- Open green spaces suitable for family gatherings
- Clear sightlines to the spray pad from all areas of the park
“We’re truly grateful for the support from the Paylor family and thank them for their generous support of this project. Their commitment to our community is an inspiring testament to the power of collaboration and the transformative impact it can have on our city,” said Mayor Johnston.
“Red Deer and Central Alberta have been very kind to my family and supported our business in tremendous ways. I feel privileged to give back to a community we care about. The outdoor trails and parks have been the jewel of our city and my family wants to see that continued,” said Woody Paylor. “My wife Val and I have spent many hours at community playgrounds, on the trails and using the fabulous recreation facilities. We are honoured to have the opportunity to be part of this wonderful spray park.”
“Our government continues to invest in recreational infrastructure to encourage healthy lifestyles for communities in Alberta and across the country. Public recreation facilities, such as the new Woody’s Spray Park in Red Deer, are essential to providing safe, accessible, and enjoyable spaces for residents to gather and connect with their communities. This important new feature at the G.H. Dawe Community Centre will allow children and families to enjoy outdoors activities and find relief on hot summer days for years to come,” stated the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities
“Alberta’s government recognizes the important role municipalities play in supporting the health and vitality of Albertans. The addition of this spray park will attract even more visitors to the newly opened recreation centre and give local families a place to come together for fun and relaxation during hot summers,” said Minister of Municipal Affairs, Ric McIver.
Woody’s Spray Park can be accessed by vehicle, trails and transit, with bike racks and parking stalls close by. A sidewalk connecting the parking lot the splash pad helps to ensure accessible access to the spray pad.
Lifeguards are not on duty and users may enjoy the amenities at their own risk.
The $42 million G.H. Dawe Community Centre expansion project is funded by the Government of Canada through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program ($15,134,832), the Government of Alberta through Municipal Sustainability Initiatives (more than $12.6 million), and The City of Red Deer’s 2020, 2021 and 2022 capital budgets (more than $14.2 million).
More information on Woody’s Spray Park can be found on The City’s website, https://www.reddeer.ca/city-government/plans-and-projects/safe--healthy-communities-plans-and-projects/gh-dawe-community-centre-project/spray-park-engagement/.