As a resident of Woodstock, ON, Canada, the Spray and Play wading pool holds a sentimental place in my heart. It is here that many of my family's cherished moments took place – from my sister's June birthday parties to my own child's birthday celebrations. But this amenity means more than personal memories. It is a unique feature in our town, attracting families and tourists with its wading depth water, slides, shade, picnicking, snack shack, and dry playground. There's no place like it in our community. 

Unfortunately, our city plans to replace this wonderful facility with expanded change rooms for Southside Aquatic Center. A different solution to the change room issue at Southside Aquatic Center needs to be investigated and utilized. One that solves the congestion during swimming lessons, but doesn't mean sacrificing the unique and beloved amenity of the Spray and Play Wading Pool. 

A city councilor also mentioned an issue with hiring lifesaving staff for this amenity being a driving force behind closing the Spray and Play Wading Pool. If you know of youth who may be interested in a future summer job as a wading pool lifesaving attendant, please also reach out to the city council directly. The loss of this amenity also means the loss of these entry level lifesaving jobs for youth in our community. 

The city is building a new splash pad on Finkle Street, but it won't be an equivalent amenity, as it lacks standing water and water slides. It won't require lifesaving staff. The new Finkle St. splash pad will be a great addition to our city's recreation amenities, but we also need to preserve and renovate the Spray and Play Wading pool. 

We must understand that without the Spray and Play Wading Pool, and with the recent closure of the Lions outdoor pool in summer 2023 and the poor state of Pittock reservoir's water quality, our community will be devoid of outdoor swimming facilities. Instead, we'll wholly rely on an indoor swimming pool and splash pads (with no standing water or water slides).

Our city is known for its family-friendly amenities, and these unique features should be enhanced, not diminished. The Spray and Play wading pool not only brings joy to our children but also aids in their physical development. Additionally, lifesaving personnel are always present to ensure our children's safety while they have fun.

The City of Woodstock's population continues to grow as more housing developments are built. We need to preserve the recreation amenities we have, and continue to develop more amenities to meet the recreational needs of our community.

The City of Woodstock needs to continue to develop into a place people want to travel to and live in to meet their family's recreational needs. We don't want to send people to other communities to meet their needs when they were previously able to use a children's outdoor wading and water slide attraction within our city. This attraction can often be at capacity on hot summer days, even before the entrance fee was removed. (Thank you for the free access to a beloved amenity for the past two summers!)

We urge our city administration to rethink its decision and save the Spray and Play Wading Pool – a beloved feature that adds to the uniqueness of Woodstock. Let's preserve our traditions, ensure our children enjoy the same memories we did, and maintain Woodstock’s reputation as a family-friendly town. 

The plan is for this year (2024) to be the last season for the Spray and Play Wading Pool, and for the change room renovations to begin after the season ends. Time is of the essence.

Please sign this petition to show your support for having the Spray and Play Wading Pool remain in Woodstock.

Also, consider writing an email directly to the city council through the city website: https://www.cityofwoodstock.ca/en/city-governance/council-and-council-meetings.aspx

Learn more and contribute your voice to the cause on the Public Facebook Group "Save Woodstock's Public Swimming Amenities": https://www.facebook.com/share/PATNWu3C9FuApF4L/?mibextid=A7sQZp