City of Toronto’s splash pads open over Victoria Day weekend

Just in time for the unofficial kickoff to summer, the City of Toronto is opening its splash and spray pads this Victoria Day long weekend.

Although they all officially open Saturday, the one by Canoe Landing near Lake Shore Boulevard and Spadina Avenue opened on Friday.

“We’ve already had a few hot, early spring days and there will be more to enjoy in the summer months ahead. Splash and spray pads are a wonderful way to cool off when temperatures rise. Best of all, they are fun and free,” Mayor John Tory said in a release.

With heat and humidity in store for Saturday, the risk of thunderstorms for much of the long weekend may put a damper on the cooling-off options for the kids.

The humidex is expected to hit the low 30s on Saturday and while temperatures will cool off on Sunday, rain is in the forecast. The sun returns on Victoria Day on Monday but it will be cooler with a high near 15 C.

The City operates more than 140 spray and splash pads in its parks. They will be open from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. until Sept. 18.

The following splash/spray pads are closed for the season due to construction:

• Bert Robinson Park
• Corvette Park
• Dieppe Park
• Joyce Trimmer Park

The one at Dufferin and King Park is currently undergoing construction but is expected to open in July. Meanwhile, those at High Park and Rotary Peace Park will open when the outdoor pool opens in June.

The unsupervised water play areas are activated with push-button features and the City advises caregivers to supervise their children in the water play areas.

Some of the City-run outdoor pools open on June 18, while the rest open on June 30.

The City’s wading pools are expected top open in late June.