The District of Saanich is reopening the splash pad at Rutledge Park on a trial basis this weekend.
The splash pad will run for its usual hours of 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., but with some limited features and a reduction in the volume of water it uses.
It had opened on June 24 but issues arose with the equipment last week, including the risk that water from it could have been entering the storm-drain system and affecting aquatic life.
The splash pad at Beckwith Park was also taken out of service.
This weekend’s trial run at Rutledge Park will help staff determine whether measures taken to fix it will work, and if any further adjustments are needed in the short term.
Staff is also looking at longer-term solutions.
Ongoing monitoring during the weekend could lead to some periodic closures, and since the operation of the splash pad is weather-dependent, it could close Monday, when there is rain in the forecast.
“We want to thank the public for their patience as we work through these issues,” the district said in a statement.
“We continue to reach out to individuals who have booked permits to hold events and activities at these parks, offering alternate location options as well as refunds or account credits.”
Updates on both splash pads will be posted on the Saanich website at saanich.ca/ and on social media.
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