Saanich turning on taps at Beckwith Park splash pad this weekend

Despite this weekend’s less-than-ideal weather conditions, the District of Saanich has announced that they will be turning on the taps most splash pads. 

District staff will help Saanich residents kick off the summer by turning on the taps at the Beckwith Park splash pad on Saturday, May 17th. 

However, the Rutledge Park splash pad will not be opening this long weekend as last year the newly reopened park was experiencing some service issues. 

“Visitors will recall that in 2024, staff were made aware that trace chlorine amounts detected in the potable water from the splash pad entering the storm water system were higher than the provincial standard for aquatic life,” said the District of Saanich in a media release. 

“Potable water contains chlorine to protect human health but is not healthy for aquatic life.”

So, as corrective and permanent changes are made to the Rutledge Park splash pad’s water discharge system, the water feature will remain under maintenance. 

The District hopes to open the Rutledge splash pad by early July, pending necessary approvals. 

Despite the difficulties at Rutledge Park, the splash pad at Beckwith Park will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. through mid-October.

In addition to the Beckwith Park splash pad, there are nine other splash pads that will soon be usable!

Below are all splash pads in the Victoria area:

• Frog Pond Water Park at Beckwith Park – Saanich
• Rutledge Park Splash Pad – Saanich (out of commission)
• Uptown Water Feature – Saanich
• Playground Splash and Watering Can at Beacon Hill Park – Victoria
• Iroquois Water Spray Park – Sidney
• Colwood Creek Park – Colwood
• Glenn Lake Beach Park (North End) – Langford
• Spray Park at Centennial Park – Langford
• Leigh Place Beach Park – Langford Lake
• Esquimalt Adventure Water Park – Esquimalt
• Carnarvon Park – Oak Bay

Though the District of Saanich is turning on the taps to their splash pads this weekend, some municipalities may choose to wait until the spring/summer is further along.