Tsawwassen water park project wins recreation and parks award

Tsawwassen's Rotary Waterworks water park has been a popular place for youngsters and their families to cool of during the summer.

Philip Raphael/Leader file photo

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Tsawwassen's new water park has made a splash with the BC Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA).

The Corporation of Delta was presented with the Parks and Open Spaces Award for Rotary WaterWorks at Diefenbaker Park.

Officially opened last August, the facility was recognized for its design, accessibility and community involvement.

The project was driven by the  Rotary Club of Tsawwassen which contributed $275,000 both in-kind and financially with the balance of the project being paid through the Corporation of Delta.

“The Rotary WaterWorks at Diefenbaker Park is a great example of the power of community involvement in the creation of a functional and unique park feature that will be enjoyed for many years to come,” said BCRPA Chief Executive Officer Suzanne Allard Strutt in a press release. “We applaud the volunteers and the Corporation of Delta for creating a public space that is accessible to the entire community and reflects the history of the area.”

The Parks and Open Spaces Award recognizes excellence in the concept, design and development of parks and open spaces. The space demonstrates outstanding and/or innovative aspects which have or could have significant impact in the Recreation & Parks field.

Tsawwassen Rotary Club member Vickie Sangster and chairperson of the Rotary WaterWorks project, said she was delighted with the award.

"It's great to be recognized in this way," she said. "I just hope that other groups take a page from the book of Rotary Tsawwassen and are able to accomplish something they want to because it just shows you what can be done when you have a good partner and have the community behind you."

The project was also featured in the Rotary Club's national magazine.

Sangster added the park's design is unique by the incorporation of educational components through interpretive signage stressing the importance of water stewardship and conservation as well as the historical reference relating to the Diefenbaker Park as a former gravel pit.

"I'm sure that is new to the park design world," Sangster said.