This $3.8 million (CAD), 8,000 square metre activity hub includes a splash pad, play structures, play courts, bounce walls, picnic facilities and a coloured shade shelter. The hub facility is fully compliant with the current Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. This landmark project incorporates a learning component through interpretive panels and text etched walls and paving to enlighten visitors about the water cycle and the Credit River watershed.
Notable features of the spray pad include whimsical interpretations of trees, sky, and clouds for the spray features. All spray pad water run-off is captured and stored in an adjacent naturalized pond for re-use as irrigation for adjacent sports fields. Paving and surfaces were selected to maximize accessibility and visibility throughout the space. Rubber paving and artificial turf are used in playful combinations for the play structure areas of the facility and coloured concrete patterns depict water imagery at the splash pad.
The Hub is aptly located in the centre of Creditview Park with numerous path connections to nearby parking, washroom / change facilities and sports fields. An existing naturalized swale accommodates stormwater drainage and was augmented with numerous native plantings of trees and shrubs. There are numerous seating opportunities, including accessible benches, accessible picnic tables, seat walls, seat discs and carousel seating with colourful metal umbrellas. A separate reflective area with an accessible swings and sand table is available for children who want to play alone or for children with developmental challenges.