The mercury sat stubbornly at a chilly 13 degrees and the wind howled as 20 youngsters waited, shivering, for North Bay's new splash pad to start spraying water at noon today.
Then, promptly on the hour, the water pipes sputtered and out spurted the water, much to the delight of the children waiting excitedly.
But this wasn't just a bunch of random kids that showed up to the new attraction. It had been long planned by a group called Camp Olympics.
"We have been waiting for this day all summer long. The kids have been looking forward to it so when it was announced in the news that it was opening today there was no question we were all going to be here. The kids all wanted to be the first ones at the park so that in future they could say they were first," supervisor Theresa Sullivan told BayToday.
Camp Olympics is a summer sports day camp for kids in North Bay.
"By the screams and the smiles and the laughter, it's been great. They're having a blast," she said, smiling as she watched the kid racing around.
Kyle Riley, 6, said the experience was "great for a cold and windy day" but admitted to having fun as he headed for his favourite structure, a giant bucket that fills with water then spills onto the kids below.
Abby Elvish, 12, was impressed.
"I think it's super cool that they've built another water park that isn't so far out of town so little kids can play at it. I think it will be very well used. I looks very fun."
See: New splash pad opens this morning
Glen Cameron is an engineering technician for the city and explained how it all works.
"There's a computer program that controls the timing for turning the water on and off. Valves control the water going to all the devices and water meters control how much water is being used.
"We've actually got a unique valving system so that during the operational time the water is all going to our sanitary treatment plant. In non-usage times like winter, spring and fall, the valves are turned the other way and it enters the sewer system because it doesn't have to be treated, saving a lot of money for the citizens because it isn't treated.
"it's all timed so tomorrow it will start at 10 a.m. and runs till 7 for the rest of the season."
Councillor Johanne Brousseau wanted to see firsthand how the park operates.
"It's going to be a draw. It means you are going to stay and visit the waterfront area, and I'm glad that it's here close to the bus terminal to be accessible by all our citizens. They can take the bus with their kids and play and enjoy the water."
Phase II will commence later this fall and early next spring with the installation of sun shelters, picnic tables, additional benches and the completion of the landscaping.
The current estimate for the project is $650,000 excluding taxes, which includes the splash pad, a washroom/changeroom facility, sun shelters, benches, picnic tables, and landscaping.
The splash pad is approximately 6,000 sq. ft.and is located behind the North Bay Museum.
