Hamilton unveils new spray pad at Eastwood Park

HAMILTON, ON – Yesterday, local MPP Sarah Jama met with City of Hamilton staff to unveil a new spray pad at Eastwood Park in Ward 2, which was made possible thanks to a $500,000 Community Building Fund – Capital stream grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The project will provide all park users with an opportunity to stay cool during the summer.

“Spray pads function as community hubs all summer long – allowing youth and people of all ages to cool down, connect with neighbours, and find entertainment while school is out,” said Sarah Jama, MPP for Hamilton Centre. “Our team has seen how well-used local spray pads are and we’re grateful that the City of Hamilton received this grant from OTF. I’m hearing a lot of Hamiltonians share about their struggles with childcare and inadequate cooling in their homes - I hope a fun and revitalized spray pad, in tandem with the Supie program, will be an encouragement to youth and caregivers for many years to come.”

The City received the Community Building Fund – Capital Stream grant from the provincial government in 2022, which brought the City of Hamilton’s contribution to the project to $378,000. The total budget for the park project was approved through the City’s 2022 budget process. 

The project replaced the existing spray pad with a new concrete pad and spray features to ensure this well used amenity continues to contribute to the quality of life for residents in the area and support the popular “Supie” program at Eastwood Park. Following public consultation, the new spray pad will take on an aquatic theme with features such as an upright tree, aquatic creature spray rings, boat wheel, as well as various ground jets and coloured concrete paving. 

“I am thrilled to see this project come to life as we head into the hot summer months,” said Mayor Andrea Horwath. “Thanks to Provincial support and funding through the Ontario Trillium Foundation, this vibrant new spray pad at Eastwood Park will keep Hamilton’s youngest residents active and smiling all summer long!”

Spray pads are free to use and are open until early September. To find a spray pad location in Hamilton, visit www.hamilton.ca/spraypads.

Quick Facts

• Eastwood Park is a 6-hectare (14.82 acre) community park in the North End neighbourhood of central Hamilton’s Ward 2.
• Eastwood Park is home to softball and soccer fields, a basketball court, a multi-purpose court, an accessible creative play structure, a spray pad, and a sun shelter/washroom/changeroom building.
• The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested more than $110 million into 1,044 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.