Alcona splash pad still in design phase in Innisfil
Plans for the Alcona splash pad are still in the works, said a town manager.
“We don’t want to rush it, we want to do it right,” operations manager Jason Inwood said.
The $5-million project to build a community hub and splash pad beside the Innisfil IdeaLAB and Library is still in the design phase.
“Originally, the splash pad was going to be at Innisfil Beach Park, but we ran into geotechnical issues,” Inwood said.
With the $450,000 still set aside for a splash pad, the town was looking for a new location.
Last August, council agreed to spend $1.8 million to buy the land off Lakeside Retirement, which in turn donated $550,000 toward the deal.
“This is now more than just a splash pad. This is a town square, a real gathering place in the middle of Alcona,” Inwood said. “We are currently working through the design, with construction anticipated to start next spring.”
The land is approximately two acres in size and Inwood said the concept is to have a seamless connection to both the library and the retirement home, keeping some of the large trees on the property.
“There is going to be a splash pad with the potential for it to be a public skating rink in the winter time,” he said. “There will be shaded seating and a variety of amenities that would complement the town square/gathering place feel.”
It would be a spot for community events and performing arts, Inwood said.
“This would be our first town square, it will have a different feel to it. It will really help drive that ‘downtown Alcona’ development. Staff is excited about the opportunity.”
The project falls in line with the town’s master plan, which calls for more parks and public gathering spaces.