Beginning Tuesday, July 14, Haldimand County’s two splash pads—in Caledonia and Hagersville—will be opened to the public. Both pads will be open with regular summer hours, from 8am until 8pm.

“Following the opening of the County’s three outdoor pools last week, we’re pleased to announce that we can now welcome participants to enjoy our splash pads,” said Haldimand County Mayor Ken Hewitt.

The opening includes a number of health and safety protocols to ensure the public remains safe while using the splash pads during the pandemic, including:

• Fencing to limit access to the splash pads, including a separate entrance and exit for participants;
• Participant screening prior to entry;
• Observance of social distancing protocols (six feet apart from individuals and/or a social bubble);
• A maximum of twenty (20) participants at one time on the Caledonia splash pad and ten (10) in Hagersville;
• Participants showered and dressed prior to screening/entry to the splash pad; and,
• A 20-minute time slot on the splash pad per user followed by cleaning of the area by staff.

“We continue to remain conservative in our re-opening approach to ensure the health and safety of the public using our facilities,” noted Hewitt. “In the case of the County’s splash pads, we are fortunate to have an especially safe and efficient water recirculation system, including using chlorinated water which kills the coronavirus in seconds.”

Residents are encouraged to regularly check the County website (HaldimandCounty.ca/COVID-19) and social media accounts for updates related to splash pads, pools, recreation programming and associated public health protocols.