Spray pad is EZT’s first, adding a new accessible outdoor recreation option for families in the Township

 The Township of East Zorra-Tavistock will open its first spray pad in 2024 in the Town of Tavistock’s Queen’s Park, offering a unique and accessible play area for families that expands the community’s outdoor recreation options.

 Spray pads are non-slip aquatic play areas with no standing water that instead feature water sprinklers, sprayers, nozzles and games that are motion-activated or on limited run times. Spray pads are a safe, lower-cost and lower-maintenance alternative to outdoor pools while supporting childhood development through socialization, developing motor skills, and learning through play.

 The new spray pad for the Town of Tavistock was requested by a citizen delegation to Council in October 2019. The $250,000 project budget is supported through a 2022 Ontario Trillium Foundation grant of $150,000 and community fundraising efforts of over $100,000 to date, including a $35,000 corporate donation by Saputo. The spray pad aligns with the Township of East Zorra-Tavistock’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan, which shows a need to increase access to outdoor aquatic facilities to meet its target service level for its population.

 Township of East Zorra-Tavistock Council awarded the contract to construct the new spray pad to Openspace Solutions Inc. at the July 5 council meeting. Construction is scheduled to take place in the fall of 2023.

Comment

Mayor Phil Schaefer, Township of East Zorra-Tavistock

“Our communities are growing and our citizens have told us that outdoor recreation is an important part of community life. Through the support of our residents, Saputo as a corporate donor, and the Trillium fund, we are able to take this key step forward in expanding the use and enjoyment of EZT’s wonderful outdoor spaces, which is a key goal of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.”

 Graphics

Attached: Conceptual drawings of East Zorra-Tavistock spray pad

About Township of East Zorra-Tavistock

 Located in the heart of northern Oxford County, the Township of East Zorra-Tavistock is a great place to work, live and play. Accessible by highway, air and railway, East Zorra-Tavistock’s settled areas are a short drive from Highway 401, 402 and 403 and is located near several airports. East Zorra-Tavistock is a part of the eight area municipalities that make up the Oxford County municipal government. The Township of East Zorra-Tavistock was formed through the amalgamation of numerous communities, including Braemar, Cassel, East Zorra, Hickson, Huntingford, Innerkip, Perry Mine, Perrys Lane, Strathallan, Tavistock, Tollgate, and Willow Lake. East Zorra-Tavistock’s three largest towns are Hickson, Innerkip and Tavistock. The Township of East Zorra-Tavistock municipal office is located in Hickson. Learn more at www.ezt.ca.