The Simcoe Kinsmen Club is doubling down on its commitment to serve the community by leading an ambitious $80,000 project to keep one of Simcoe’s most beloved summer attractions safe and running for years to come — the Simcoe Splash Pad.
That was Dennis Travale, speaking at a recent Norfolk County Council meeting on behalf of the Simcoe Kinsmen Club.
More than 20 years ago, the Kinsmen made a promise to improve the park bordered by Talbot, Windham, and Head Streets. That project included the creation of a fully accessible splash pad, designed to bring summer fun to families across Norfolk.
Since then, the County has taken on maintenance and upkeep responsibilities, helping to ensure the splash pad remains a safe and joyful place for local families.
But time takes its toll, and the splash pad’s concrete base and underlying piping have deteriorated beyond repair. Regular patchwork is no longer enough to maintain safety standards.
The Kinsmen don’t want to see this well-loved space fall into disrepair, nor do they want the burden to fall on County Council. That’s why they’re stepping up to lead the fundraising effort to fully replace the concrete pad and inspect the underlying infrastructure.
To kick off the campaign, the Norfolk Community Foundation contributed $10,000, and the Kinsmen matched it with another $10,000 from their own funds.
Now, they’re turning to the community to help raise the remaining $60,000 and ensure the splash pad remains a safe, inclusive space for all to enjoy.
The work is scheduled to take place in the off-season (September–November 2025) to avoid interrupting summer fun. The County will manage tendering, select contractors, and oversee the work to meet safety and insurance requirements.
Norfolk County will also continue to maintain, program, and operate the splash pad once the repairs are complete — just as it has for the past two decades.
This project reflects the Kinsmen Club’s long-standing mission to serve Simcoe’s greatest needs. With strong local partnerships and community support, they are determined to preserve this free, accessible, and fun destination for generations to come.