At long last, Collingwood will have its splash pad! With the Health Unit inspection completed on Wednesday (August 15th), the Awen’ Waterplay will open for public access this weekend. Hours of operation for the Waterplay will be 10:00 a.m.to 8:00 p.m. with the restroom facilities open from 8:00 a.m. to dusk.
With advice provided by Dr. Duke Redbird, and with recognition of what the Awen’ Gathering Place means to the community, the Awen’ Waterplay is a representation of the Indigenous understanding of the water cycle featuring jets that emulate condensation (clouds), precipitation, and rushing groundwater.
“On behalf of Mayor Hamlin, and Council, I would like to congratulate the design and construction team on not just bringing a splashpad to Collingwood but ensuring that the Awen’ Waterplay was designed to compliment the Awen’ Gathering Place and share an Indigenous perspective on the value of water and how it connects all living things,” says Deputy Mayor Tim Fryer.
A waterfall is the signature feature, on the uppermost of three levels of play, and it is backdropped by an original work of art provided through a collaboration of Dr. Redbird with his late son, Jay Bell Redbird. The artwork is of an Indigenous Thunderbird, which are among the most powerful spiritual beings in Anishinaabe creation narratives. Thunderbirds (Animkiig) maintain a special, protective relationship to the Anishinaabe people and serve the practical task of commanding storm clouds and bringing much needed rain.
A ’river’ connects the three descending levels f the facility, which provide three distinct areas of play, including toddler-play in the zone closest to where parents can monitor children. Among the features throughout all three play areas are: flower jets, mushroom jets, fan jets, misters, arching jet streams, a multi jet donut, and a geyser. Approximately 40 different apparatus make up the compliment of jets within the waterplay area.
The system that provides the massive water needed for the space is a recycling facility the cleans the water flowing through a 17,000-litre tank. This maximizes water use and minimizes water waste, while ensuring a safe and healthy environment for children.
The restroom facility features two universal and accessible washrooms, and operational spaces that power the Waterplay. It is paired with two private outdoor change rooms, an outdoor shower, and a water bottle refill station. Signage at the site provides information about the appropriate and safe use of the facilities.
The Town is also pleased to have partnered with Water First, a charitable non-profit organization, based in Creemore, that is dedicated to helping address water challenges in Indigenous communities in Canada through education, training, and meaningful collaboration.
“In recognition and gratitude of the opportunity we have in Collingwood to enjoy a facility like the Awen’ Waterplay, the Town is committed to helping ensure that this privilege is not taken for granted, and that the water challenges of other communities are recognized, understood, and supported,” says Director Collver. “We’re eager to help develop a new generation of Water Protectors that are inspired to continue to look after this essential human need.”
The experts at Water First will help to share education and awareness at the Waterplay, as well as the opportunities for the public to support funding co-created solutions with Indigenous communities that helps to implement sustainable access to safe, clean water for the long-term (visit www.waterfirst.ngo).
An Official Opening & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony is planned for August 24 at 11:00 a.m. featuring words from Dr. Redbird, Dillon Koopmans (representing Water First), and members of Council.