Spray parks across Nanaimo are now open for use as the warm weather hits the region. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

taps on

Nanaimo spray parks open for summer season

May 10, 2024 | 12:56 PM

NANAIMO — The taps are on and the water flowing at the city’s four water spray parks, just in time for the hottest weekend of the year so far.

Thousands of people are expected at Harewood Centennial Park, Departure Bay Centennial Park, Mansfield Park and Deverill Square over the weekend as temperatures are forecast to reach near-record levels for mid-May.

City manager of parks operations Charlotte Davis said final tests were completed Friday, May 10 and the parks are open and ready for use this summer.

“As soon as the sun turns out, we start getting a lot of phone calls from people wanting these parks open, so it’s a real pleasure to have them open right now by popular demand. We normally do it for May long weekend and I’m glad we’re able to pull it off and get them open for the nice warm weather.”

All four spray parks are open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

niche amenities

Trio of community park projects advancing in Nanaimo

2h ago

final farewell

Family, friends and fans to gather at memorial for former B.C. premier John Horgan

2h ago

holiday vibes

Grizzlies spoil Clippers' teddy bear toss night

9h ago

A misting station at Maffeo Sutton Park is not currently online, however Davis said they plan to have it running in time for the May long weekend.

Due to provincial regulations, water from the parks is not recycled and during the summer months it flows into the sanitary sewer system.

“These parks have special valves which allow us to switch between sanitary sewer and storm sewer so in the rainy season we have it switched over to storm sewer so all the water that falls there goes into the storm system.”

Davis added they’re keeping a close watch on any water restrictions and levels in various reservoirs to ensure the parks are not threatening water security.

“We’re definitely sensitive to water restrictions and we follow all regulations required of us. We haven’t yet gotten into a stage that would require us to close them but we are monitoring and working with our watering resources team.”

The City of Parksville are completing final checks to their water park at Parksville Community Park and will open it Wednesday, May 15 under the same hours of operation.

Due to drought conditions, the City was forced to limit the park’s use during the summer months last year.

Spray parks in the city draw thousands of people on any given day, providing a refreshing break from the warm weather. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Local news. Delivered. Free. Subscribe to our daily news wrap and get our top local stories delivered to your email inbox every evening

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @NanaimoNewsNOW